Colorectal Cancer in Istanbul, Turkey

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Prof. Dr. Oktar ASOĞLU

Vişnezade Mahallesi Acısu Sokak Salihbey Apt. No:16 Kat:4 D:5 Maçka, Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Turkey

About Clinic

In 1996, he became a specialist in the Department of General Surgery of the Istanbul Faculty of Medicine. In the same year, he attended the courses organized by the Istanbul Medical Faculty General Surgery Department and received his gastrointestinal endoscopy and surgical laparoscopy certificates. He was deemed worthy of an award by operating 500 cases of gunshot wounds at the Van Military Hospital, where he went to complete his military service, during a time when terrorism was most intense, and not losing any patients. The experience he gained in War Surgery made a great contribution to the following period. In 2000, he started to work as a specialist in Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of General Surgery. With the international scholarship he won in 2004, he continued his education at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, USA), Department of General Surgery, in esophagus, stomach, colorectal and pancreatic surgery units. Oktar Asoğlu became Associate Professor in 2005 and Professor in 2010. Since 2005, he has been dealing specifically with the surgical treatment of only digestive system cancers (colorectal and gastric cancer intensified), especially with the laparoscopic and robotic method, and he still continues to work in this field. His study, which showed that the nerves responsible for urination and sexual functions seen after surgery in patients with rectal cancer can be better preserved with the laparoscopic method (Surg Endosc 2009), has been published in numerous international meta-analyses and publications (For example, Surg Clinic North Am 2011-2013), as well as the European Association of Endoscopic Surgeons. (EAES) clinical practice guide (Surg Endosc and Interventional Tech 2011) cited as a reference.

Prof. Dr. Oktar Asoğlu served as a Member of the Board of Directors and General Secretary of the Turkish Colon and Rectal Diseases Surgery Association for three terms. To date, Asoğlu has given 55 international publications, more than 100 international speeches, more than 200 national speeches and received more than 500 citations in total. He has received the “Surgeon of Excellence” from the colorectal program for the first time in the world, from the international independent auditor Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). The “Surgeon of Excellence” certification was given as the fourth in the world in the field of robotics.

He started and established Liv Hospital Medical Director in 2012, left this position in 2016, and fulfilled his duty as the founding dean of İstinye University in the 2016-2017 academic year. He still continues his professional studies in his practice and part-time at Acıbadem Maslak Hospital.

Treatments

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer, which affects the colon and rectum, is a significant health concern worldwide. It typically begins as small, benign clumps of cells known as polyps that form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, some of these polyps can become colorectal cancers. Polyps may be small and produce few, if any, symptoms, which is why doctors recommend regular screening tests to help prevent colorectal cancer by identifying and removing polyps before they turn into cancer. Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, a feeling that your bowel does not empty completely, blood in your stool or in the toilet after you have a bowel movement, frequent gas pains, cramps, or a feeling of fullness or bloating in your stomach, loss of weight without trying, fatigue, and vomiting. These symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than colorectal cancer, such as infection, hemorrhoids, or irritable bowel syndrome. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor if these symptoms appear.

The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, with more than 90% of cases occurring in individuals aged 50 and older. Other risk factors include a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, and certain inherited genetic conditions. Lifestyle factors can also play a role; a diet high in red and processed meats, physical inactivity, obesity, heavy alcohol use, and tobacco use may increase the risk. Early detection through regular screening is crucial, as it can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and survival. Treatment options for colorectal cancer vary depending on the stage of the cancer and can include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Recent advances in medical research have led to the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapies, which offer new hope for patients with advanced disease. As with many cancers, prevention strategies focusing on diet, exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol can also play a key role in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.

What is Oncology?

Oncology is a branch of science that examines the formation, causes, diagnosis, treatment and relationship of tumors in the body with heredity. It examines non-cancerous cells as well as cancerous cells. This broadens the fields of interest in oncology. Medical oncology, which examines chemotherapy applications which means treatment of cancer with medication, also examines cancer prevention, cancer screening and early diagnosis applications. Radiation oncology is a medical science that studies the effects of treatment procedures using radiotherapy on cancer cells. Cancer surgeries are often performed by oncological surgeons with advanced expertise in the surgery of the respective cancer.

Treatment In Istanbul

Istanbul is one of Turkey's most populous and most developed cities. For health treatments, there are hundreds of hospitals and clinics that serve both domestic and foreign patients. Istanbul institutions provide services to patients from all over the world, especially in terms of hair transplantation and aesthetic operations. It also has world-renowned physicians in cancer treatments and organ transplantation procedures. The main reason why Istanbul is preferred in health treatments is its quality, easy airway transportation and affordable prices.

Treatment In Turkey

Turkey both in terms of its geopolitical position and should be easy to transport is a country preferred by patients from all over the world for health tourism. In Turkey, there are hundreds of successful health care for the hair transplantation, aesthetic surgeries and cancer treatments. These hospitals and clinics serve at more affordable prices compared to other countries of the world. Patients who come for a holiday in the summer make an appointment with the health institutions located in the holiday resorts and make both their holidays and their treatments with specialist doctors. Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya are the most preferred cities for health tourism in Turkey.. However, it is extremely possible to get quality treatments in other cities.

Turkey is a popular destination for health tourism, offering a wide range of medical treatments and procedures at affordable prices. The country has a well-established healthcare system, with a large number of private and public hospitals and clinics that are equipped with the latest medical technology.

One of the main draws for health tourism in Turkey is the availability of cosmetic surgery procedures, such as facelifts, liposuction, and breast augmentation. The country is also known for its dental care, with many dental clinics offering treatments such as teeth whitening, veneers, and implants.

Another popular area of health tourism in Turkey is cancer treatment. The country has a number of specialized cancer centers that offer treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Additionally, Turkey is also a destination for alternative and traditional medicine, including treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and massage.

In addition to the high-quality medical treatments, Turkey also offers a range of other benefits for health tourists. The country's warm climate, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal destination for those looking to combine their medical treatment with a relaxing holiday. Additionally, the cost of living in Turkey is generally lower than in many other countries, making it a more affordable destination for health tourism.