Written and medically reviewed by: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD, General SurgeryLast updated:
International patients
International patient request
I perform the clinical evaluation; formal first contact from abroad goes through the Florence Nightingale International Patient Center. File review, second opinion, surgical assessment, and multidisciplinary planning are coordinated that way.
Formal international applications are coordinated with the Florence Nightingale International Patient Center — not as a direct physician inbox for first contact.
English education pages on this site help you prepare. I review the surgical file when the center routes the case; formal application and travel logistics stay with the hospital’s international patient team.
Florence Nightingale International Patient Center
For international appointment requests, surgical evaluations, second opinions and tumor-board review inquiries, please contact the Florence Nightingale International Patient Center.
Apply by EmailPlease do not include highly sensitive medical documents in your first email. The international patient team will guide you to an appropriate document-sharing method.
Application pathway from abroad
A structured process helps the center and the surgical team understand your case before travel decisions are made.
- 1
Initial request
A brief medical summary and contact details are shared with the International Patient Center.
- 2
Medical records review
Pathology results, CT, MRI, PET/CT, endoscopy reports, operative notes and current treatment information are reviewed.
- 3
Specialist evaluation
When the center routes the case, I assess the file from the relevant surgical perspective. Multidisciplinary tumor-board review may follow when appropriate.
- 4
Treatment plan
A surgical, oncologic or multidisciplinary approach is outlined and an appropriate pathway is proposed.
- 5
Istanbul & care pathway
When travel is indicated, hospital logistics and related arrangements are coordinated by the Florence Nightingale International Patient Center.
What kinds of situations can be discussed?
- Colon cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Liver metastases
- Pancreatic & hepatobiliary surgery
- Robotic surgery
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Complex abdominal surgery
- Groin & abdominal wall hernias
- Second surgical opinion
- Multidisciplinary tumor-board review
Every patient is evaluated individually — according to medical status, disease stage, prior treatments and overall health. Listing a topic does not mean every patient is a candidate for surgery.
Which documents should be prepared?
Preparing a clear file improves review quality. Share detailed records only after the international patient team confirms a secure method.
Pathology reports
CT / MRI / PET-CT images
Endoscopy / colonoscopy reports
Operative reports
Chemotherapy / radiotherapy details
Blood tests
Current medications
Prior physician assessments
Whenever possible, sharing radiological images in DICOM format — not only written reports — can make the evaluation more accurate.
Second-opinion documents checklist →International Patient Center support
Organizational services related to the international patient pathway are provided by the Florence Nightingale Hospitals International Patient Center.
Medical file coordination
Hospital appointment organization
Interpreter support
Travel guidance
Airport transfers
Accommodation guidance
In-hospital coordination
Post-treatment communication
Available support services may vary according to the patient’s needs and current hospital capabilities.
Language & interpreter support
Through the International Patient Center, interpreter support may be available in English, Arabic, Russian, French, German and various other languages. Please contact the International Patient Center for current language availability.
When inpatient language support is arranged, coverage may extend through the hospital stay according to center capacity and clinical need.
Second opinion before traveling to Istanbul
For some patients, a preliminary review can be based on existing medical documents. If physical examination, additional imaging or new tests are required, a definitive treatment plan is formed only after in-person evaluation.
Second-opinion process →Cancer pathway
Multidisciplinary evaluation
In complex cancer cases, multidisciplinary review may be planned with surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nuclear medicine specialists, gastroenterologists and, when needed, interventional radiology.
Learn about the tumor boardFollow-up after treatment
After returning home, continuing follow-up depends on sharing relevant medical reports and treatment information. When appropriate, documentation can be prepared to support communication with the patient’s physician in their own country.
Request a medical evaluation
Prepare your available medical documents and start the application process through the Florence Nightingale International Patient Center.