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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

Wedge Resection

VATS Diaphragm Resection by European Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons Member

$8,870
/
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
4.5
Good
20 patient verified reviews
1 star
0%
2 stars
5%
3 stars
10%
4 stars
5%
5 stars
80%

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; 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.
Mykola Drozd • PET-CT with Gallium 68(PSMA)
Ukraine
Aug 17, 2025
Verified review.
I am very grateful to the Bokimed team for their care, organisation and truly individual approach
I turned to Bokimed to organise a trip to Turkey for medical diagnostics. The company proved to be a reliable partner: they helped me at every stage - from preparing the trip to accompanying me on the spot. Thanks to the attentive customer service, all issues were resolved quickly and professionally. The diagnostics were carried out with high quality, and I felt supported throughout the entire process. I am very grateful to the Bokimed team for their care, organisation and truly individual approach. I recommend the company to anyone looking for reliable assistance in medical trips abroad.
Quality of the survey
A somewhat assembly-line approach
Anonymous • Biopsy
Kyrgyzstan
Nov 10, 2024
Verified review.
I would like to thank the clinic and all the medical staff for the help provided and for the sensitive attitude towards each client
Very pleased with the attitude towards patients. The staff was polite and courteous. They responded quickly to all my needs. They suggested the best alternative treatment and were very tactful during the operation. The operation was done under local anaesthesia, and painkillers have very little effect on me, but the doctor was very sensitive and understanding of my condition and patiently waited and increased the dose of anaesthesia until the action started. And during the whole operation constantly asked about my condition and even on small reactions of pain, which were reflected apparently in my face immediately responded. And the assistants (nurses) were close by, giving emotional support. I would especially like to mention the attitude of the interpreter Rabia, who was always in touch with me throughout my stay and answered at any time of the day, despite the workload I saw. This is very human of her when you don't know anything and don't know the language. I would like to thank the clinic and all the medical staff for the help provided and for the sensitive attitude towards each client.
The clinic is located in a very convenient neighbourhood. And the clinic itself provides a huge range of services. Everything is within walking distance. The wards are clean, comfortable and with all the facilities.
About Bookimed service
It was my first experience of treatment abroad and I am very glad that I chose this clinic. I really liked the attitude of the Bookimed team, who were also in touch with me all the time. And when I had a misunderstanding with the clinic on the first day, they responded immediately. I would like to thank Bookimed for this opportunity and for giving me a choice of clinics.
Борис • CyberKnife
Ukraine
Mar 4, 2024
Verified review.
The consultation with the doctor was easy and instilled confidence and calm
Everything is fine. There was a slight delay in the transfer upon arrival at the airport. Then they arrived promptly, the drivers were polite, the cars were clean. The hotel is a little far away, but nice, spacious room, clean. There were not enough slippers in the hotel, otherwise everything was fine, the staff was helpful. I underwent PET CT diagnostics with gallium 68, the examination was carried out perfectly. Special thanks to the coordinators of Bookimed and the clinic, and the translator. The consultation with the doctor was easy and instilled confidence and calm. It would be nice to get a translation of the conclusion in Russian or English right away.
Service, competence, translator, speed of examination
Transfer upon arrival, no conclusion in Russian
About Bookimed service
My first experience. I liked the coordinators’ quick response and attentiveness. Everything went well.
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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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