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Erkan Yildirim
26
years of experience

Erkan Yildirim

  • Specialization: Thoracic surgeon
  • 26 years of experience
  • Speaks:
    English
  • Online consultations: available
  • Workplace: Turkey, Istanbul, Hisar Hospital Intercontinental
  • Member of the European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons (FETCS) since 2002; published Turkey's first clinical overseas study on lung transplantation.

    Dr. Erkan Yildirim is a thoracic surgeon at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental in Istanbul. He published Turkey's first overseas clinical study on lung transplantation. He participated in nearly 100 donor organ procurements in Canada. Dr. Yildirim specializes in lung cancer and chest wall deformity surgeries.

    • Member of the European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons (FETCS).
    • Completed lung transplant fellowships in Toronto, Zurich, and Kyoto.
    • Holds four patents in the field of biomedical engineering.
    • Treats complex conditions like mesothelioma and mediastinal masses.

Explore package deals with Dr. Erkan Yildirim

Select Procedure

VATS Pneumonectomy by Turkish Board-Certified Thoracic Surgeon at JCI Center

$12,080
/
per package

Minimally Invasive Nuss Procedure for Pectus Excavatum — 5 Nights & VIP Transfer

$8,060
/
per package

Pectus Excavatum Surgery by Surgeon with 900+ Chest Wall Procedures at JCI Hospital

$8,060
/
per package

Ravitch Procedure for Pectus Deformity at JCI-Accredited Hospital — Transfer Included

$8,320
/
per package

3D Implant Placement in Thorax Surgery

$7,377
/
per package

COPD Balloon Treatment

$8,060
/
per package

Thoracic Wall Resection & Reconstruction with Prosthesis at JCI-Accredited Center

$8,940
/
per package

VATS Lung Segmentectomy by European Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Association Member

$11,280
/
per package

VATS Hydatid Cyst Removal by Toronto-Trained Thoracic Surgeon at JCI Hospital

$6,930
/
per package

VATS Diaphragm Resection by European Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons Member

$8,870
/
per package

VATS Lobectomy by European Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Association Member at JCI Center

$7,320
/
per package

Bronchoscopy with Biopsy by Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon — Translation Included

$1,940
/
per package

VATS Mediastinal Tumor Removal with Thoracic Surgeon Consultation — Translation Included

$10,160
/
per package

Bilateral Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy with Thoracic Surgeon Consultation in Turkey

$2,710
/
per package
The package includes a standard range of medical services offered by the clinic and additional benefits like accommodation, transfer, etc.

Online consultation with Erkan Yildirim

Convenient and easy
100% secure and confidential
$100
4.6
Excellent score
20 patient verified reviews
1 star
5%
2 stars
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4 stars
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5 stars
95%

Patient reviews

About clinic Hisar Hospital Intercontinental
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1-5 of 20 reviews
Anonymous • Consultation with a mammologist
Turkey
Jun 13, 2026
Verified review.
It was the right choice
What worried me most was the uncertainty and what the treatment plan would be. But my fears were put to rest after the very first consultation. The doctor was very attentive and explained everything in detail and calmly, which immediately put me at ease. I really appreciate that approach. All the staff at the clinic were responsive and supportive at every stage. The clinic itself made a good impression; everything is well organised. I am currently in the recovery phase and feel much calmer, having a clear understanding of the next steps. It was the right choice.
Everything was great
Sergei • Сomplex oncology diagnostic
Moldova
Jun 26, 2026
Verified review.
Hisar Hospital is a clinic staffed by professionals who carry out their work to the highest standard;
Hisar Hospital is a clinic staffed by professionals who carry out their work to the highest standard; special thanks go to Dr Taifun Apuhan for his professionalism. Special thanks also go to the staff and the interpreter, ‘Rabiya’ – everything was of the highest standard.
Shabnam • Hysteroscopic polypectomy
Tajikistan
Nov 6, 2025
Verified review.
Thank you so much to the whole team for their clear, professional and heartfelt work!
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Hisar Hospital Intercontinental in Istanbul for the high professionalism, attentiveness and care shown at every stage of my treatment. I underwent hysteroscopic removal of several endometrial polyps, including one large one measuring 3 cm. Everything went perfectly - from the initial consultation to the surgery and post-operative care. Special thanks to my doctor - Op. Dr Berna Buse Kobal. She inspired confidence from the very beginning, explained everything calmly and clearly, acted very carefully and confidently. After the operation I felt great, without pain or discomfort. The nurses and all the staff of the clinic were very attentive and helpful. The atmosphere in the hospital is clean, modern, comfortable and absolutely safe. I would also like to thank Julia, a Bookimed employee, who helped me with counselling and organising the trip. We made the decision literally at the last moment: we were informed from Dushanbe in the evening, flew out at night, and already in the morning I was in the clinic. Everything was organised perfectly - meeting, hospitalisation, surgery on the same day, and in the evening I was already relaxing in the hotel and feeling great. Thank you so much to the whole team for their clear, professional and heartfelt work! 💐 I confidently recommend Hisar Hospital Intercontinental and Bookimed to all women who are looking for quality, fast and safe treatment abroad.
Promptness, value for money. Approach.
There's no such thing
About Bookimed service
Julia from bookimed and I were looking at several options. We voiced our budget and special requirements. After studying our wishes, she suggested this clinic. The next morning we were already at the clinic after the appointment had been decided promptly
Anonymous • Gastric sleeve surgery (Sleeve gastrectomy)
Italy
May 26, 2026
Verified review.
Denis • Stomach resection
Spain
May 7, 2026
Verified review.
the support from the surgeon and the whole team was incredible
My biggest fear before the operation was adjusting to my new life, especially when it came to eating. But the support from the surgeon and the whole team was incredible. The operation was performed laparoscopically, and a significant portion of my stomach was removed—around 75–80%. Of course, recovery is a process. At the moment, I can only eat 2–3 spoonfuls at a time, and the main difficulty is that food can get stuck, so I have to get used to eating differently. Despite this, my energy levels have already improved slightly. I’ve realised the most important thing: forget your old eating habits! This is a new life in a new body, where you become a culinary connoisseur rather than a mere consumer of food.
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Qualifications

Prof. Dr. Erkan Yıldırım is a thoracic surgeon at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental. He authored Turkey’s first overseas clinical publication on lung transplantation. He has been a Fellow of the European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons since 2002. Also, he holds four biomedical engineering patents and treats chest disorders.

Specialization and Surgical Focus

Dr. Yıldırım treats lung cancer, mediastinal masses, and chest wall tumors. He also treats esophageal cancer, malignant pleural effusion, and mesothelioma. The surgeon performs surgeries for benign lung diseases including bronchiectasis and echinococcal cysts. He further treats empyema inflammatory diseases and puncture wound injuries.

The surgeon uses the Abramson Bar and NUSS techniques for chest deformities. He also provides 3D implant methods for patients with Poland Syndrome. His practice includes clip-assisted VATS for hyperhidrosis, facial flushing, and Raynaud’s disease. Additionally, he performs blebectomy procedures to remove air blisters from the lung.

Achievements and Clinical Expertise

Dr. Yıldırım completed a fellowship at the Toronto Lung Transplant Program. During this time, he participated in 85 recipient surgeries and nearly 100 organ procurements. The doctor maintains a Turkish Thoracic Surgery Proficiency Certification since 2003. He also pioneered Turkish research on lung volume reduction and transplant techniques.

His current research involves patent studies with Boğaziçi University. He became the first author in Turkey of an overseas clinical study on lung transplantation in 2009. This research focused on lung volume reduction and transplant methods. He also completed four clinical studies during his time in Toronto.

Work Experience

  • Thoracic Surgeon – Hisar Hospital Intercontinental, Istanbul, Turkey
  • Thoracic Surgery Specialist – Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital (2000–2001)
  • Chief Assistant – Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital (2001–2007)
  • Medical Officer – Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Thoracic Surgery Clinic (1999)
  • Observer Surgeon – University of Zurich, Switzerland (2002)
  • Observer Surgeon – University of Toronto, Canada (2004)
  • Observer Surgeon – University of Leuven, Belgium (2008)
  • Observer Surgeon – Kyoto University, Japan (2012)

Education and Training

  • 1992 – Anadolu University Faculty of Medicine – Medical Degree
  • 1998 – Siyami Ersek and Atatürk Chest Diseases Centers – Thoracic Surgery Residency
  • 2003 – Turkish Thoracic Surgery Proficiency Certification
  • 2008 – University of Toronto – Lung Transplantation Fellowship
  • 2009 – Associate Professor Title in Thoracic Surgery

Academic Contributions and Recognition

Dr. Yıldırım serves as a reviewer for the European Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery. He also reviews for the Turkish Journal of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery. The doctor has presented findings at 37 international and 19 national congresses. He currently holds four active patents in the department of biomedical engineering.

Professional Memberships

  • European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons (FETCS)
  • European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS)

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