Greek expatriate in coma after dental surgery in Turkey

A 53-year-old Greek expatriate living in Canada is in critical condition in the intensive care unit of KAT Hospital in Greece following a dental implant procedure in Turkey. The patient, referred to as Alexandros, traveled to Antalya to seek lower-cost dental services at a clinic that held state certification.

During the procedure, which was originally intended to use local anesthesia, doctors switched to general anesthesia because the patient was reportedly not cooperating. Following the surgery, the patient failed to regain consciousness and suffered severe hypoxic encephalopathy, blood clots, and brain hemorrhaging.

The repatriation process involved a diplomatic and medical complication when Turkey denied landing rights to an EKAB air ambulance, citing concerns that the aircraft, operated under the responsibility of the Air Force, was a military plane. Following intervention by Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, the patient was eventually transported to Greece via a civilian aircraft. He remains intubated and in a comatose state.