Best Incisional hernia Doctors in Istanbul for Australians

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. Abdulcabbar Kartal is a colorectal and general surgeon at Anadolu Medical Center. He specializes in HIPEC and bariatric surgery. He has performed over 500 bariatric procedures. Dr. Kartal holds certification from the European Society of Coloproctology (FEBS-C). He works at a clinic affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine.

• Completed over 650 surgical operations across major hospitals in Turkey.
• Certified by the Turkish Surgical Association for his surgical qualifications.
• Uses laser techniques for hemorrhoidal diseases and interventional endoscopic procedures.
• Member of the Turkish Association of Endoscopic Laparoscopic Surgery.

Dr Merve Karli is a highly active surgeon at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental who has performed over 1,000 operations across various surgical fields.

• Specialises in both laparoscopic and open hernia surgery for complex repairs
• Certified in endoscopic procedures including gastroscopy and colonoscopy for internal assessments
• Uses laparoscopic techniques – smaller incisions that lead to less pain and faster recovery
• Trained at Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, a major surgical centre
• Manages benign anorectal diseases and emergency trauma cases alongside general surgical needs

Professor Samet Yardimci is a top-ranked specialist who placed first in Turkey's national surgical subspecialty exam. He leads his own dedicated clinic and specialises in complex digestive system repairs.

• Trained at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in the United States in surgical techniques
• Qualified as a Gastroenterology Surgeon, focusing on surgical repair of the digestive tract
• Uses laparoscopic surgery – a minimally invasive approach with smaller incisions and faster healing
• Formerly taught medical students at Marmara University as an Associate Professor

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)

Professor Gokhan Yilmaz serves as a senior specialist at Medipol University – one of Turkey's leading medical and research institutions.

• Specialises in general surgery for abdominal wall repairs
• Former Assistant Professor at Istanbul Medipol University department of surgery
• Trained at Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital in complex surgical cases
• Served at major public training hospitals for over eight years
• Manages surgical treatment for primary and recurrent hernias

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

Associate Professor Osman Civil is a specialist general surgeon at Medipol Bahçelievler University Hospital with deep expertise in gastrointestinal and abdominal wall repairs.

• Specialises in treating incisional hernias using techniques that reinforce the abdominal wall
• Trained at Kartal Dr Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital in general surgery
• Active member of the Turkish Surgical Association and the Turkish Ostomy Surgery Society
• Provides surgical care for complex abdominal cases and gastrointestinal disorders
• Recognised by the Turkish Colon and Rectum Surgery Society for surgical excellence

Dr Hanifi Onalan specialises in both laparoscopic and open surgical repairs at Atlas University Hospital for patients with complex wound hernias.

• Uses laparoscopic repair – a minimally invasive approach involving small incisions for less post-op pain
• Experienced in treating incisional hernias specifically caused by previous surgical wounds
• Performs diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy at a major university-affiliated hospital
• Holds specialized certification in videoendoscopy for precise internal imaging
• Trained at Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine – one of Turkey's oldest medical schools

Professor Yahya Ozel is a leading general surgeon who completed intensive fellowship training at Tokyo University Hospital in Japan. He focuses on restoring abdominal strength through laparoscopic and robotic techniques for hernia repair.

• Specialises in minimally invasive hernia repair to reduce post-op pain and infection risk
• Trained in advanced hepatobiliary surgery under global experts at Tokyo University
• Holds the Turkish Surgical Proficiency Certificate for high standards in surgical endoscopy
• Former academic faculty member at Dogus University teaching surgical techniques to new doctors
• Expert in robotic-assisted surgery for precise repair of complex abdominal wall defects

Dr. Ayhan Erdemir is a general surgeon at Anadolu Medical Center in Istanbul. He specializes in pancreatic cancer treatment and complex gastrointestinal procedures. Dr. Erdemir is an expert in the Whipple surgery and robotic surgical techniques. He practices at a facility affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine.

• Certified in the da Vinci robotic surgery system.
• Completed specialized training in cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC.
• Former assistant professor at Maltepe University Medical School.
• Performs surgeries for breast, stomach, and small intestine cancers.

Education and Specialization

Republic University Faculty of Medicine

Republic University Faculty of Medicine, Pediatric Surgery Specialization - Expertise

Experience

Karabük Women's and Children's Hospital Pediatric Surgery Clinic (Specialist Doctor)

Karabük State Hospital Pediatric Surgery Clinic (Specialist Doctor)

Karabük University Faculty of Medicine Training and Research Hospital Pediatric Surgery Department (University Lecturer)

Professional Memberships

Pediatric Surgery Association

Pediatric Urology Association

Courses and Certificates

Presentation Techniques Course, 2018 Istanbul

Neuromarketing Course, 2018 Istanbul

IMS Data Training Course, 2018 Istanbul

Incontinence Course, 2017 Antalya

Cerebral Palsy Children's Symposium, 2013, Karabük

Doubtful Genital Structure Meeting in Child, 2012, Karabük

Workshop International Hypospadias, 2012, Istanbul

Abdominal and Colorectal Surgery in Children, 2010, Istanbul

Current Approaches to Lower Urinary System Diseases Symposium, 2009, Kırıkkale

Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition Symposium in Children, 2009, Malatya

Basic Intensive Care Training Course, 2009, Sivas

Protective Child Health Nutrition and Alternative Medicine Applications Symposium, 2008, Kırıkkale

Newborn Resuscitation Program, 2007, Sivas

Thorax Course in Children, 2007, Çeşme

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 incisions for reduced post-op pain.
• Former Acting Head of General Surgery at Kadir Has University – leading and training surgical teams.
• Member of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery and the Turkish Surgical Society.
• Expert in gastrointestinal surgery at the leading Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital.

Assoc. Prof. Cevper Ersöz, M.D.

Urology
 

Areas of Expertise and Interest

• Urological Cancers (Robotic & Laparoscopic Surgery)
• Stone Diseases (PCNL, URS)
• Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (HoLEP, TuLEP, Rezum®)
• Minimally Invasive Prostate Treatments (TUR-P, Robotic)
• Kidney, Bladder, Testis Diseases
• Sexual Dysfunction & Infertility
• Urological Infections

Education and Career

• M.D. (Doctor of Medicine): Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine (2006)
• Residency in Urology (Specialist Training): Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul (2012)
• Associate Professorship in Urology: Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul (2015)

Certificates

• Fellow of the European Board of Urology (FEBU)
• Observership in Urologic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA (2011)
• Advanced Training in Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery

Memberships in Scientific Organizations

• Turkish Urology Association
• Turkish Pediatric Urology Association
• Turkish Endourology Society
• European Association of Urology (EAU)
• European Society of Endourology

Publications

• Author of 130+ national and international peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Research focus: Endourology, urologic oncology, andrology, and minimally invasive surgery.
• Contributions include book chapters and numerous conference presentations.

Awards Received

• Male Sexual Health – Alpay Kelami Award (2009): Recognized for innovative andrology research.
• 22nd National Urology Congress Recognition (2012): Acknowledged for surgical technique studies.

Prof. Ramazan Gökhan ATIŞ, M.D.

Languages: English

Urology

Areas of Expertise and Interest

• Paediatric Urology
• Robotic Surgery
• Endourology
• Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgery
• Urological Oncology
• Urological Neurology
   

Education

• Cağaloğlu Anatolian High School, Istanbul – Graduated in 1996
• Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine (Çapa) – M.D., 2002
• Urology Residency, Istanbul Şişli Etfal Training and Research Hospital – 2002–2008
• Laparoscopy and Robotic Urology Training, Heidelberg University, Heilbronn Clinic – 2011

Career

• Urology Specialist, Istanbul Göztepe Training and Research Hospital – 2009–2014
• Associate Professor Title Achieved – September 2014
• Executive Board Member, Endourology Society – Since 2017
• Member, European Association of Urology – Young Academic Urologists (EAU-YAU), Endourology Working Group – 2018–2020
• Professor of Urology, Istanbul Medeniyet University – Appointed in January 2021
• Urologist, Şişli Memorial Hospital – Since August 1, 2022
   

Born in 1978 in Istanbul, Prof. Dr. Ramazan Gökhan ATIŞ completed his medical degree at Istanbul University’s Faculty of Medicine in 2002. He pursued his urology specialization at Şişli Etfal Training and Research Hospital and became a certified urologist in February 2008. Following his military service at Edremit Military Hospital, he began working at Göztepe Training and Research Hospital in 2009.

In 2011, he received training in laparoscopic and robotic urology at Heidelberg University’s Heilbronn Clinic. Between 2009 and 2014, he conducted numerous scientific studies, especially in the field of endourology, earning the title of Associate Professor in 2014.

Since 2017, he has served on the board of the Endourology Society. In 2018, he was selected to the European Association of Urology’s Young Academic Urologists (EAU-YAU) Endourology Working Group, actively serving for two years. In January 2021, he was appointed as a Professor at Istanbul Medeniyet University. Since August 1, 2022, he has continued his clinical practice, initially at Şişli Memorial Hospital and currently at Medipol Acıbadem District Hospital.

Professor Muzaffer Al is a highly regarded specialist at Büyük Anadolu Hospitals with training in both laparoscopic and oncological surgery. He focuses on keyhole techniques to repair complex abdominal issues with high precision.

• Trained at Istanbul University in laparoscopic surgery – focusing on minimally invasive techniques for less scarring
• Completed advanced training in oncological surgery for managing hernia repairs in cancer patients
• Expertise in laparoscopic antireflux surgery – a procedure that often coincides with abdominal wall repairs
• Educated at Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine and KTÜ Farabi Hospital

Professor Turgut Camkiran is a senior general surgeon at Buyuk Anadolu Hospitals who specialised at the prestigious Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine.

• Specialises in laparoscopic surgery using small incisions for faster recovery and less scarring
• Member of the Laparoscopic Surgery Association focusing on minimally invasive techniques
• Completed dedicated vocational training in laparoscopic hernia repair and surgical management
• Former staff surgeon at multiple public hospitals including Carsamba State Hospital
• Member of the Turkish Medical Association and National Association of Surgery

Professor Alaettin Celik is the founding chairman of the Pediatric Surgery Department at Istanbul Faculty of Medicine and a specialist in managing complex abdominal wall repairs.

• Trained at The Hospital for Sick Children at the University of London
• Quadruple-specialised in General Surgery, Paediatric Surgery, and Paediatric Urology
• Published three major medical textbooks on surgical techniques and newborn care
• Leads surgical teams at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital
• Fellowship-trained in the United Kingdom with international clinical research experience

Prof. Selin Kapan has been a Professor of General Surgery since 2017. She is currently with Istanbul Aydın University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery (2022–present). She previously worked at Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital as a Specialist and Associate Professor. She also served as Educational and Administrative Supervisor at Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital. In addition, she was Medical Coordinator and General Surgeon at Istanbul Surgery Hospital.

She has authored or co-authored more than 50 peer-reviewed papers. Her research covers hernia repair, perianal fistula, pilonidal disease, hepatic hydatid disease, laparoscopic surgery, and gastrointestinal surgery. Her work has been published in journals such as Digestive Surgery, Hernia, Techniques in Coloproctology, and the Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. She is a member of the Turkish Surgical Association, the National Trauma and Emergency Surgery Association, the Hernia Society, the Turkish HPB Surgery Association, the Stem Cell and Cellular Therapies Association, and the Gastroesophageal Reflux Association.

Dr Irfan Karalar is a senior general surgeon at Medipol Bahçelievler University Hospital with a career defined by leadership in surgical care.

• Trained at Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine – one of Turkey's oldest and most respected medical schools
• Former Chief Physician – led surgical teams and managed clinical standards at Private Balkan Hospital
• Specialises in general surgical procedures including complex hernia repairs and abdominal wall reconstruction
• Practises at a major university hospital equipped for detailed post-operative monitoring