About Bone Marrow Transplantation

Bone marrow is a sponge like material that is found in the hollow centers of some bones in the body. Bone marrow contains special and important cells called stem cells. Stem cells create other specialized cells that perform important functions. Stem cells in bone marrow produce three important kinds of blood cells:

  • Red blood cells – carry oxygen around the body
  • White blood cells – help fight infection
  • Platelets – stop bleeding

Bone marrow transplantation is sometimes called stem cell transplantation. The process involves collecting healthy stem cells to replenish the bone marrow of the patient. The new stem cells take responsibility for the production of the blood cells. In some situations, bone marrow can be taken from another part of the patient’s body which is called an autologous transplantation. The bone marrow is able to be cleared of any diseased cells before being returned.

Stem cell transplantations are often required to treat conditions that have damaged the bone marrow and can no longer produce normal blood cells. Disruption to the production of the blood cells can be very serious, especially if:

There are not enough red blood cells – the body will be starved of oxygen and this will cause the patient to feel faint and tired and damages will be caused to the organs.

There are not enough white blood cells – cause a higher risk of developing serious infections.

There are not enough platelets – cause bruising and bleeding easier.

Bone Marrow Transplantation Procedure

Before transplantation patients will need to have a Conditioning Therapy – bone marrow and immune system treated and prepared for new cells. This usually takes between 1 to 10 days depending on the kind of transplant. Transplantation happens once the conditioning therapy is finished.

Once the conditioning therapy is done, patients will need to have a physical examination of their body and an examination to find out the general state of their health. Next, the stem cells will be obtained to be used in the transplantation. The patients will be given local anesthesia or general anesthesia depending on the situation. Once the stem cells are collected, the patient undergoing the transplantation will be prepared and the transplantation process will begin. The duration of the transplantation process will depend on the extent of surgery. Once the transplantation process is over the patient will be applied suitable dressing and taken to a private room. During the recovery period the patient will be monitored for any side effects and complications.

Suitable Patients for Bone Marrow Transplantation

  • The recipient of the transplant is at a good health condition and despite their associated condition
  • The associated condition is not responding to other types of treatment
  • There is a high risk of the condition re-occurring without a transplant

Before Bone Marrow Transplantation

  • Patients and the donor will need to attend a committee to be approved for the transplantation
  • Patients must prove to the committee that the donor is related within the 4th generation
  • Patients will need to undergo several tests before the transplantation
  • Patients will undergo a conditioning therapy before the transplantation

After Bone Marrow Transplantation

  • Patients must make sure that they take prescribed medication correctly and on time
  • Patients will need to attend several check-ups to make sure everything is well
  • Patients must keep a healthy diet and take care of their nutrition

Risks of Bone Marrow Transplantation

Usually there are no side effects of a bone marrow transplantation but patients can experience:

  • Funny taste in the mouth
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache
  • Change in blood pressure and breathing
  • Urine can be red for the first 24 hours after transplantation

First day of Bone Marrow Transplantation

The patients will attend a consultation with the doctor and will be advised about the procedure and their condition. Patients and the donor will need to undergo a couple of tests which are required to ensure that the patient and donor is at a suitable health condition for a transplant. Once all tests are done and the results are suitable for the transplantation process, the patient will need to have a conditioning therapy that can last from 1 to 10 days in hospital.

Tenth day of Bone Marrow Transplantation

Transplantation will be performed, using general or local anesthesia depending on the type of the surgery. The transplantation will take around 30 to 60 minutes to perform depending on the extent of the surgery. Once the surgery is over, the patient will be taken to a private room where they will be staying in hospital for resting. This can last for a few weeks until the transplant is adapted to the patient’s body. The donor will need to stay in hospital for a day to make sure they are feeling well.

Twenty fourth day of Bone Marrow Transplantation

Patients will be resting in their room and the doctor will perform a checkup and may perform a few tests and if they are approved to be in a good, healthy condition and the surgery results are all successful; the patients are advised with post treatment care requirements and are ready to be discharged from hospital to their settlements. The patient will be advised on their medication and their dressing routine. Once discharged from hospital the patient must rest. Patients are able to go on little tours around the city if they are feeling better and carry on taking their medications correctly.

Thirtieth day of Bone Marrow Transplantation

The patient will be advised on further medication, a few little tests may be performed and if everything is right, then the patient is ready to return to their destination.

Notes

• Trip schedule may vary. medicTurkey patient relations will provide you a detailed trip schedule before the travel.

• For details on accommodation, transportation and other services, please check the SERVICES page.

What is a Bone Marrow Transplantation?

Bone marrow transplantation is sometimes called stem cell transplantation. The process involves collecting healthy stem cells to replenish the bone marrow of the patient. The new stem cells take responsibility for the production of the blood cells. In some situations, bone marrow can be taken from another part of the patient’s body which is called an autologous transplantation. The bone marrow is able to be cleared of any diseased cells before being returned.

How is a Bone Marrow Transplantation done?

Before transplantation patients will need to have a Conditioning Therapy – bone marrow and immune system treated and prepared for new cells. This usually takes between 1 to 10 days depending on the kind of transplant. Transplantation happens once the conditioning therapy is finished.

Next, the stem cells will be obtained to be used in the transplantation. The patients will be given local anesthesia or general anesthesia depending on the situation. Once the stem cells are collected, the patient undergoing the transplantation will be prepared and the transplantation process will begin. The duration of the transplantation process will depend on the extent of surgery. Once the transplantation process is over the patient will be applied suitable dressing and taken to a private room. During the recovery period the patient will be monitored for any side effects and complications.

How long does a Bone Marrow Transplantation take?

Bone Marrow Transplantation usually takes between 30 – 60 minutes to be performed.

Do I need to stay at hospital?

Patients will need to stay in hospital for a couple of weeks including before and after the transplantation surgery.

Who can have a Bone Marrow Transplantation?

  • Patients at a good health condition and despite their associated condition
  • The associated condition is not responding to other types of treatment
  • There is a high risk of condition re-occurring without a transplant

When can I return to work?

Patients can return to work a few weeks after the transplantation process.

Are there any risks of Bone Marrow Transplantation?

Usually there are no side effects of a bone marrow transplantation but patients can experience:

  • Funny taste in the mouth
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache
  • Change in blood pressure and breathing

Urine can be red for the first 24 hours after transplantation

Devices used in Bone Marrow Transplantation

There are no special devices used in Bone Marrow Transplantation.

Operation Price Stay in hospital Stay in Turkey
Bone MarrowTransplantation Please fill in
a form to learn
about the pricing.		 14 Days
(the duration can
change depending on
the treatment performed)		 30 Days