Best Umbilical Hernia Doctors in Turkey for Australians

Associate Professor Burcin Batman is a highly regarded gastrointestinal specialist at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental, having successfully managed over 1,000 surgical cases.

• Specialises in laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair – a minimally invasive technique that uses small incisions for less pain and quicker recovery
• Expertise in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery for complex abdominal wall repairs
• Associate Professor and founding faculty member at Istinye University where he trains future surgeons
• Member of the Turkish Surgery Association and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity

Dr. Vafi Atalay is an experienced oncological and general surgeon with 17 years in the field. He specializes in pancreatic, colon, rectal, and liver surgeries. He also performs advanced endoscopic procedures. Dr. Atalay has published 31 articles in national and international journals, making valuable contributions to medical literature.

He received the first prize at the 20th Congress Research Paper Competition. He also won the Best Research Award at the 5th Surgeon Research Congress. Dr. Atalay is a member of TSS, the Palestinian Medical Association, and IOA. His active involvement in these organizations shows his dedication to professional growth and surgical excellence.

Dr Merve Karli is a general surgery specialist at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental with a track record of over 1,000 successful surgical procedures.

• Specialises in laparoscopic hernia surgery – using small incisions for less post-operative pain and a quicker return to daily activities
• Certified in endoscopic procedures including gastroscopy and colonoscopy for internal examinations
• Manages both open and minimally invasive repairs for various abdominal wall hernias
• Trained at Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, a major Turkish surgical centre

Associate Professor Cemal Kara is a distinguished surgical innovator who has performed over 6,200 successful procedures throughout his career.

• Patented a bespoke laparoscopic instrument to improve precision during keyhole surgery
• Specialises in laparoscopic hernia repair using small incisions for faster recovery
• Holds a Certificate of Surgical Competence from the Turkish Surgical Association
• Member of the Aegean Region Surgery Association and Izmir Medical Chamber
• Expert in minimally invasive techniques that reduce post-operative pain and scarring

Professor Samet Yardimci is a specialist in gastroenterological surgery who ranked first in Turkey's prestigious national surgical subspecialty exam.

• Specialises in laparoscopic surgery using small incisions for faster recovery and less scarring
• Trained at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Memorial Hermann in the United States
• Recognised as a Professor of Surgery with expert focus on digestive system repairs
• Established specialised surgical units at Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital
• Expertise in managing complex abdominal wall issues alongside metabolic and digestive concerns

Professor Halil Alis is an internationally active surgeon who specialises in laparoscopic repairs – using tiny incisions for umbilical hernia treatment to help patients achieve a faster recovery.

• Performs laparoscopic surgery to fix abdominal wall defects with minimal scarring
• International Member of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES)
• Specialises in gastrointestinal system surgery and metabolic management
• Trained at the Istanbul School of Medicine specifically in general surgery
• Active member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)

General Surgery 

Colorectal Surgery 

Obesity and Metabolic Surgery 

Medical Director 

Brief Curriculum Vitae 

I was born in Trabzon on 15.07.1969. After I attended Ismetpaşa Primary School and Cumhuriyet Secondary School, I was graduated from Trabzon High School. I had medical education and training in School of Medicine of Karadeniz Technical University from 1986 to 1992. I worked as medical practitioner in Alacahan subdistrict, Kangal District, Sivas City in 1992-1993 and in Sivas Police Headquarters to fulfill the conscription. I was assigned as Health Group Manager and Medical Practitioner in Dernekpazarı District of Trabzon in 1993-1994. I passed the Examination for Medical Specialty in 1995 and I had my residency training and education at Department of General Surgery in Istanbul School of Medicine of Istanbul University from 1995 to 2000. I was awarded the title of “General Surgeon” after I submitted the medical specialty thesis titled “Relationship between gastrointestinal tumors and HLA” in 2001. After I worked at a privately owned hospital in 2000-2002, I started working in General Surgery Clinic of Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital in 2003. I had rotation in General Surgery Clinic of School of Medicine in Istanbul University for 9 months in 2007. I was awarded the title “Associate Professor of General Surgery” in 2010. I undertook Management duties in Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital from November 2012 to December 2013 and in Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital from December 2013 to April 2015. I had been Head of Education and Administrative Affairs, General Surgery clinic at Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital since 2010. I am Medical Director and General Surgeon at VM Medical Park Florya Hospital in Istanbul Aydın University as of 2017. 

I have intentionally dealt with renal transplantation during my residency education. After I was awarded the title “medical specialist”, I participated to diagnostic & therapeutic endoscopy, bariatric surgery, laparoscopy and robotic surgery educations abroad for short periods. I am intensively dealing with any and all laparoscopic surgical procedures (especially bariatric and gastrointestinal system surgery) and diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures (gastroscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, endoscopic ultrasound) in this clinic since 2003 and I also play the role of trainer. I do and train others about General Surgery procedures with Da Vinci Robotic system since 2010. 

I authored 74 papers that are published in SCI and SCI-e journals and 55 papers that are published in local journals, along with 7 book chapters and 86 papers presented in local congresses and 180 papers presented in international congresses. 

I am member of Turkish Surgical Association, Turkish Association of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, Turkish Association of Endoscopic – Laparoscopic Surgery, Turkish Association of Obesity Surgery, Turkish Transplantation Centers Coordination Association and Istanbul Surgical Association. I am also member of International Active Member of Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), International Active Member of European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES), International Active Member of International Association of Surgeons, Gastroenterologists, Oncologists (IASGO), International Active Member of International School of Surgical Oncology (ISSO), International Active Member of International Federation Surgical Obesity (IFSO). 

Date of Birth: July 15th, 1969 

Educational Status: 

Bachelor’s Degree School of Medicine Karadeniz Technical University 1992 

Medical Specialty Department of General Surgery, Istanbul School of Medicine İstanbul University 2001 

Title of Medical Specialty Thesis (abstract is attached) and Supervisor: 

1. “Relationship between gastrointestinal tumors and HLA”. February 2001 Supervisor: Prof. Uluğ Eldegez, M.D. 

General Surgeon Büyük Anadolu Hospital 2001-2003 

General Surgeon Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2003-2006 

General Surgeon Istanbul University Emergency Surgery Clinic, Department of General Surgery, Istanbul School of Medicine 2006-9 months 

General Surgeon Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2006-2010 

Associate Professor of General Surgery Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2010-…

Head of Training and Administrative Affairs, General Surgery Clinic Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2010 - …

 Doctorate thesis / proficiency in art studies supervised: 

1. Ede, B., “Changes in Thyroid Hormones After Thyroid Surgery”, Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2006. 

2. Dodur B., “Factors Influencing Mortality and Morbidity in Gastrointestinal Bleeding” Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2006. 

Duties undertaken in Projects: 

1. “Enteral Stents for Colonic Obstructions (ESCO): Prospective, randomized European multisentric study, comparing enteral stent followed by elective surgery versus emergency surgical treatment in malignant colonic obstruction. “ European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) Clinical Trial Center (CTC) Clinical Trial gov. Identifier: NCT00591695 

2. A phase III, randomized, double-blind, parallel group efficiency and safety study that compares safety and efficiency of oral dabigatran etexilate (150 mg BID) with warfarin (INR = 2.0-3.0) in semiannual treatment of acute symptomatic thromboembolism following initial treatment with a parenteral anticoagulant agent, which is approved for the relevant indication, minimum for five days – RECOVER II” Protocol code 1160.46

Editorialships: 

1. General Surgery Department, Advisory Board, Turkish Clinics Medical Sciences Journal, 2010 

2. “Global Journal of Surgery” Editorial Board 2010 

Scientific Organization Memberships: 

1. Turkish Surgical Association 

2. Association of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 

3. Turkish Association for Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgery 

4. Turkish Obesity Surgery Society 

5. Organ Transplantation Centers Coordination Association 

6. Istanbul Surgical Association 

7. International Active Member of Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). 

8. International Active Member of European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) 

9. International Active Member of International Association of Surgeons, Gastroenterologists, Oncologists (IASGO). 

10. International Active Member of International School of Surgical Oncology (ISSO). 

11. International Active Member of International Fedaration Surgical Obesity (IFSO)

Assistant Professor Gokhan Yilmaz leads general surgery cases at Medipol University Pendik Hospital with a focus on surgical precision.

• Trained at Istanbul University Çapa – one of Turkey's most prestigious medical faculties
• Specialises in general surgery at Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital
• Serves as Assistant Professor at Istanbul Medipol University teaching future surgeons
• Managed surgical cases across major state and training hospitals for eight years
• Expertise includes repairing abdominal wall defects like umbilical hernias using surgical techniques

Dr. İlhami Soykan Barlas was born in the year 1977 in Istanbul Moda. He is graduated from Kadıköy Anadolu High School and Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine. He was awarded the title of General Surgery Specialist after completing his general surgery specialization in Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital in the year 2008. 

He went to Scotland 2 times in the years 2006-2007 and received advanced laparoscopic education. He awarded with ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey in the year 2009 for his contributions to the establishment of Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital Burn Center and for his related works. 

After completing his compulsory service at Kastamonu İnebolu State Hospital between the years 2009-2011, resigned from his duty at the state owned institutions, returned to Istanbul and started to work in private sector. He has been working as kidney transplant and general surgery specialist in Florence Nightingale group of hospitals since the year 2013. Since the year 2017, he has been serving as academic Doctor Lecturer in Faculty of Medicine of Demiroğlu Science University. He has more than 20 articles published in national and international journals in general surgery and kidney transplant and more than 30 proceedings that are submitted in national and international congresses. 

He also has been the book editor and chapter author on kidney transplant and he also has been chapter author in various surgery books. Dr Soykan Barlas has been awarded the title ‘General Surgery Associate Professor’ in the year 2020. Currently, he has been working within the organization of Medical Park Group of Hospitals .

 EXPERIENCES 

 İstanbul Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital 2003-2008 (Specialization Education ) 

 İstanbul Lütfi Kırdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital 2009 

 İnebolu State Hospital 2009-2011 (Compulsory Service Duty) 

 Private Hospitalium Şişli Hospital 2012-2013 

 Şişli Florence Nightingale Hospital Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Center 2013-2020 

 Demiroğlu Science University Faculty of Medicine Surgery Department Lecturer 2017- Present 

 İstanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Center 2020- Present 

 Private Osmanoğlu Hospital Şişli 2020-2022 Medical Park Göztepe Hospital 2022- present.

SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES 

1.Soykan Barlas,ArzuAkan,YavuzEryavuz,GirayYavuz,SedatKamalı,Gülçin Kamalı: PrimaryHydatidosis of thegluteusmuscle:Report of a caseandreview of theliterature. Ind JSurg.2016; 78(2): 161–162. 

2.Metin Kement, Hakan Ahmet Acar, İlhami Soykan Barlas, Nihat Aksakal, Cem Gezen, Uygar Düzci, Mustafa Öncel: Clinical evaluation of a temporaryfecalcontainmentdevicefornonsurgicalfecaldiversion in perinealburns. Ulus Trauma Emergency Surgery Journal. 2011; 17(2): 123-127 

3.Bilgin Y, Hot S,BarlasIS,AkanA,Eryavuz Y:Short andlongtermresults of harmonicscalpelhemorrhoidectomyversusstaplerhemorrhoidopexy in treatment of hemorrhoidaldisease. Asian J Surg. 2015;38(4):214-9. 

4.Sinangil A, Celik V, Barlas S, Sakaci T, Koc Y, Basturk T, Akin EB, Ecder T. NewOnsetDiabetesAfterKidneyTransplantationandPretransplantHypoma gnesemia.ProgTransplant. 2016 Mar;26(1):55-61. doi: 10.1177/1526924816633949. 

5.Sinangil A, Celik V, Barlas S, Altunrende F, Akin EB, Ecder T. CalcifiedDouble J StentafterSequentialLiverandRenalTransplantationAssociatedtoprim aryOxalosis: Case Report. BANTAO journal, 2015;13(2), 97-99. 

6.Sinangil A, Celik V, Barlas S, KuskuCabuk F, Akin EB, Ecder T. A veryraretumor in a renaltransplantdonorcandidate: primarymesentericneuroendocrinetumor.InternationalJournal Of AdvancesIn Case Reports, 2015;2(4):244-249 

7.Sinangil A, Celik V, Barlas S, Akin EB, Ecder T. Shouldtransplantureter be stentedroutinelyor not?EurRevMedPharmacolSci. 2014;18(23):3551-6. 

8.Sinangil A, Celik V, Barlas S, Koc Y, Basturk T, Sakaci T, Akin EB, Ecder T. Theincidence of newonsetdiabetesaftertransplantationandrelatedfactors: Singlecenterexperience. Nefrologia, 2017;37(2):181-188. 

9.Akin EB, Aydogdu I, Barlas IS. Introducing RobotAssistedLaparoscopicDonorNephrectomyAfterExperienceInHandAssistedRetroperitoneoscopicApproach. TransplantProceedings 2019;51, 2221-222. 

10. Barlas IS, Aydogdu I, Sinangil A, Atan Ucar Z, Koc Y, Sardogan C, Akin EB. IncisionalComplicationsandCosmetic Evaluation AfterHand-AssistedRetroperitoneoscopicDonorNephrectomy. TransplantProceedings 2019; 51, 2215-2220. 

11. Barlas IS, Aydogdu I, Sinangil A, Atan Ucar Z, Koc Y, Ecder T, Akin EB. HandAssistedNephretomyPredisposesIncisionalHerniationInObeseL ivingDonors. TransplantProceedings 2019; 51, 2210-2214. 

12.Sinangil A, Atan Ucar Z, KocY, Barlas IS, Abouzahir S,Ecder ST, Akin EB. TheOutcome of DesensitizationTherapy in Immunologically High-risk KidneyTransplantation: Single-Center Experience. TransplantProceedings 2019; 51, 2268-2273 

13.GodeOguten E, Barlas IS, Akin EB. MentalDistressSymptomsand Life SatisfactionamongLivingKidneyDonors: FrequencyandAssociationwithSubjectiveEvaluations. TransplantProceedings 2019; 51, 2232-2236 

14. Atan Ucar Z,Sinangil A, Koc Y, Barlas IS, AbouzahirS, Ecder T, Akin EB. TheClinicalPrognosis Of TheRenalRetransplantPatients: A Single Center Experience. TransplantProceedings 2019;51, 2274- 2278. 

15. Barlas IS, Demir M, Akın EB. A single-center nineyearexperience in pediatrickidneytransplantation. Cumhuriyet MedicalJournal 2020; 42 (1), 126-135

Professor Ibrahim Aliosmanoglu leads the Organ Transplantation Unit at Medical Park Antalya, bringing elite surgical precision to complex abdominal wall repairs.

• Specialises in general surgery for patients with multi-organ health concerns
• Former Manager of the liver and pancreas transplantation unit at Akdeniz University
• Has performed over 3,000 major abdominal and hepatobiliary procedures
• Published research on reducing surgical adhesions to improve recovery outcomes
• Maintains a 95% success rate in high-stakes hepatobiliary surgical cases

Dr Hanifi Onalan specialises in both laparoscopic and open surgical techniques for umbilical hernia repair at Atlas University Hospital.

• Performs laparoscopic hernia repair – uses keyhole surgery for faster recovery and smaller scars
• Certified in videoendoscopy for precise surgical navigation during complex abdominal procedures
• Trained at Istanbul University – one of Turkey's most prestigious medical faculties
• Manages abdominal wall defects including umbilical, inguinal, and post-surgical hernias

Professor Yahya Ozel is a highly skilled general surgeon who trained in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery at the prestigious Tokyo University Hospital in Japan.

• Specialises in laparoscopic hernia repair – using small incisions for less post-operative pain
• Holds the Turkish Surgical Proficiency Certificate for high standards in surgical practice
• Uses robotic-assisted surgery for precise abdominal wall reconstruction and faster recovery
• Expert in surgical endoscopy and minimally invasive techniques for complex abdominal hernias
• Former academic faculty member at Dogus University – trained future surgical specialists

Professor Osman Civil is a senior general surgeon at Istanbul Medipol University – one of Turkey's leading medical and research institutions.

• Specialises in gastrointestinal surgery for complex abdominal wall repairs
• Member of the Turkish Surgical Association with a focus on surgical oncology
• Held positions at the Malatya Gastrointestinal Surgery Society
• Trained at Kartal Training and Research Hospital in general surgery

Professor Mehmet Tahir Oruç is a highly skilled surgeon who trained at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and across Europe. He serves as a Professor at İstinye University and brings high-level academic expertise to hernia repair.

• Specialises in laparoscopic surgery – a minimally invasive approach using small incisions for faster recovery
• Trained in laparoscopic techniques at the Cushieri Skill Centre in Scotland
• Member of the Turkish Surgical Association and the Turkish Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery
• Former Department Chief at major Training and Research Hospitals in Kocaeli and Antalya

The doctor has been a general surgeon at Anadolu Medical Center since 2006, specializing in pancreatic cancer. He completed his medical education at Fırat University Medical Faculty and further specialized in general surgery at Dr. Lütfi Kırdar KEAH in Istanbul in 2003. With experience in various health centers and hospitals, he has also served as an assistant professor and assistant coordinator at Maltepe University Medical School. The doctor has participated in advanced courses, including the Cytoreductive Surgery & Hipec Course and the da Vinci Robotic Surgery Training Program.

Dr Pekize Eker Balcioglu focuses on day-surgery techniques for abdominal wall and soft tissue repairs at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental.

• Specialises in laparoscopic day surgery – uses small incisions to help patients return home and recover faster
• Trained at Marmara University – one of Turkey's leading medical faculties for general surgical residency
• Completed medical education in English at Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University
• Authored multiple research articles on surgical outcomes in international medical journals

With over 30 years of experience, the doctor is a distinguished plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in hair transplants, liposuction, and facial surgeries. His dedication to patient care and achieving natural-looking results has earned him recognition as one of the top plastic surgeons in Turkey.

He has been acknowledged by Harper's Bazaar and Elle magazines as one of the 'Top 10 Plastic Surgeons' and holds the title of 'cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery expert' from the Ministry of Health of Turkey. The doctor is a member of several prestigious societies, including the Turkish Society of Plastic Surgery and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Dr Cengiz Dibekoglu is a pioneer in surgical technology, having performed the first general surgery operation in Turkey using the Da Vinci robotic system.

• Specialises in laparoscopic hernia surgery – a minimally invasive approach using small cuts for quicker healing and less scarring
• Former Acting Head of General Surgery at Kadir Has University Faculty of Medicine
• Member of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
• Performs advanced robotic procedures at the JCI-accredited Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital
• Expertise includes gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary surgery covering liver and gallbladder conditions

Professor Murat Cakar is a university-level lecturer specialising in paediatric surgery at Karabuk University Faculty of Medicine.

• Expert in abdominal and colorectal surgery for infants and children
• Trained in newborn resuscitation for safer surgical outcomes in young patients
• Member of the Paediatric Surgery Association and Paediatric Urology Association
• Specialised in enteral and parenteral nutrition for post-operative recovery support
• Focuses on paediatric intensive care and protective child health protocols

Professor Alaettin Celik is a highly esteemed specialist who founded the Paediatric Surgery Department at Istanbul University – one of Turkey's premier medical institutions.

• Triple-qualified in general surgery, paediatric surgery, and paediatric urology
• Trained at The Hospital for Sick Children at the University of London
• Author of several definitive textbooks on newborn and paediatric surgical techniques
• Active member of the Turkish Ministry of Health Paediatric Surgery Society
• Contributes to clinical decisions at the Council of Children's Tumours