Best Inguinal Hernia Doctors in Turkey 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.

The doctor graduated from Istanbul University, Istanbul Medicine Faculty in 2007 and completed a specialization in surgery at Sisli Etfal Education and Research Hospital in 2013. Further advancing their expertise, they joined the General Surgery Clinic at Istanbul Okan University in 2020.

With extensive experience in various medical institutions, the doctor has worked at Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Siverek State Hospital, and Anadolu Medical Center. They are a member of several prestigious organizations, including the European Society of Coloproctology and the Turkish Surgical Society.

The doctor holds numerous certifications, such as the Turkish Surgical Association Qualification Certificate and has completed advanced courses in endoscopy, bariatric surgery, and laser techniques for hemorrhoidal diseases.

Dr Merve Karli is a surgical specialist at Hisar Hospital who has performed over 1,000 operations, including laparoscopic hernia repairs.

• Specialises in both laparoscopic and open hernia surgery for inguinal cases
• Uses minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques for faster recovery and smaller scars
• Certified in endoscopic procedures including gastroscopy and colonoscopy
• Trained at Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, a major Turkish centre
• Focuses on benign anorectal diseases and trauma surgery alongside hernia repair

Dr. Sertkaya graduated from Konya Meram Science High School in 2001 and entered Gazi University Medical Faculty the same year, graduating in 2008. He completed his urology specialization at Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital in 2014, becoming a urology specialist.

Since becoming a specialist, he has focused on the sub-branch of Andrology, attending various training sessions and conferences and performing surgeries with some of the world's leading Andrology professors. In 2017, he passed the written and oral proficiency exams conducted by the European Association of Urology, earning the title of "FEBU."

In 2020, Dr. Sertkaya achieved the rank of Associate Professor of Urology. His journey in Urology and Andrology, which began in 2008, continues at the Andro Expertise Male Health and Aesthetics Center, which he founded in 2022. He sees patients in his own clinic and performs surgeries at affiliated hospitals.

Dr. Cemal Kara is a general surgeon with 26 years of experience. He specializes in cosmetic and weight-loss surgeries. He has performed more than 6,200 procedures. Dr. Kara co-founded the Aegean Medical Health Center and is recognized as a leader in his field.

He holds a Certificate of Surgical Competence from the Turkish Surgical Association, awarded in 2008. Dr. Kara has received several awards in both international and national scientific competitions. He invented and patented a laparoscopic surgical instrument. He has also published over 30 medical articles.

Dr. Kara is an active member of several professional organizations. These include the Turkish Surgical Association, Turkish Colon and Rectum Surgery Association, and the Aegean Region Surgery Association.

Professor Samet Yardimci is a high-level specialist in gastroenterology surgery who previously ranked first in Turkey's surgical subspecialty entrance exam.

• Specialises in laparoscopic hernia repair – uses tiny incisions for less post-operative pain and a quicker return to work
• Completed advanced surgical training at the MD Anderson Cancer Center and Memorial Hermann in the United States
• Recognised as a Professor and former head of surgical units at Marmara University
• Fellow of the Turkish Surgical Association with expertise in complex digestive system procedures

Professor Halil Alis is a leading specialist in laparoscopic gurgical procedures and has performed over 1,100 successful operations throughout his career.

• Specialises in laparoscopic hernia repair using keyhole surgery for faster recovery and less scarring
• International active member of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES)
• Expert in gastrointestinal endoscopy for precise internal viewing of the abdominal wall
• Active member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
• Researches emergency surgical techniques to improve patient outcomes in complex cases

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 is a key specialist at Medipol University – one of Turkey's premier medical training and research institutions.

• Specialises in laparoscopic hernia repair – a minimally invasive technique for faster recovery and smaller scars
• Trained at Istanbul University Çapa – one of the oldest and most respected medical schools in the region
• Served as a General Surgery Specialist at major training and research hospitals including Okmeydanı and Sancaktepe
• Focuses on abdominal wall surgery and modern surgical techniques for inguinal repairs

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 is a senior general surgeon and former head of organ transplantation at the Akdeniz University Hospital.

• Specialises in hepatobiliary surgery – procedures involving the liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder
• Performs inguinal hernia repairs using techniques developed through thousands of complex abdominal surgeries
• Maintains a 95% success rate in high-difficulty hepatobiliary and abdominal cases
• Previously managed the Liver-Kidney-Pancreas Transplantation Unit at Akdeniz University

Dr Hanifi Onalan is a senior surgical specialist at Atlas University Hospital, a major medical and research centre in Istanbul. He focuses on treating abdominal wall defects with modern techniques.

• Specialises in both open and laparoscopic hernia repair – keyhole surgery offers faster recovery and smaller scars
• Performs diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy for comprehensive internal assessments
• Holds a Videoendoscopy Application Certificate from Bakirkoy Dr Sadi Konuk Education and Research Hospital
• Expertise includes managing groin, umbilical, and complex wound-site hernias

Professor Mehmet Tahir Oruç is a specialist surgeon who gained high-level technical skills at the Cushieri Skill Centre in Scotland. He focuses on keyhole techniques that allow for quicker healing and smaller scars.

• Trained in laparoscopic surgery in Scotland and Austria for precise hernia repairs
• Performed research at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in the USA
• Former Chief of Clinic at Antalya Training and Research Hospital
• Professor of General Surgery at İstinye University – one of Turkey's major medical schools

Associate Professor Osman Civil is a general surgery specialist at Medipol Bahçelievler University Hospital, focusing on abdominal and intestinal repairs.

• Specialises in gastrointestinal surgery including hernia repairs and bowel procedures
• Member of the Turkish Surgical Association, maintaining high surgical standards
• Trained at Kartal Dr Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital
• Active member of the Malatya Gastrointestinal Surgery Society
• Affiliated with Istanbul Medipol University, a leading Turkish medical institution

Professor Yahya Ozel is a gastrointestinal specialist who trained at Tokyo University Hospital under global leaders in complex abdominal surgery.

• Specialises in laparoscopic and robotic hernia repair – uses small incisions for less post-op pain and faster return to work
• Holds the Turkish Surgical Proficiency Certificate for high-standard surgical care
• Experienced in endoscopy and ERCP – uses nonsurgical camera techniques to diagnose abdominal issues
• Former academic at Doğuş University – helped train the next generation of general surgeons

Dr Pekize Eker Balcioglu specializes in laparoscopic day surgery, delivering fast recovery times for patients requiring hernia and soft tissue repairs.

• Trained at Istanbul University Cerrahpasa School of Medicine with medical education in English
• Performs minimally invasive hernia repairs at Hisar Hospital Intercontinental
• Completed specialist surgical residency at Marmara University General Surgery Department
• Author of numerous surgical articles published in international medical journals

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 Murat Cakar is a dedicated specialist surgeon at Valued Med Hub Hospitals focusing on paediatric abdominal and colorectal procedures.

• Specialises in paediatric surgery for infants and children
• Member of the Paediatric Surgery Association
• Trained in newborn resuscitation for safer surgical outcomes
• Completed specialised training in paediatric abdominal and colorectal surgery
• Member of the Paediatric Urology Association

Dr Ahmet Alptekein is a specialist paediatric surgeon at Valued Med Hub Hospitals who focuses on surgical care for children and newborns.

• Specialises in laparoscopic interventions for hernia repair using small incisions for faster recovery
• Trained at Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa – one of Turkey's most prestigious medical schools
• Expert in paediatric urology and neonatal surgery for complex newborn cases
• Experienced in robotic-assisted surgery which allows for high precision in delicate paediatric procedures
• Performs endoscopy and cystoscopy for clear internal imaging without large surgical cuts

Associate Professor Cengiz Dibekoglu performed Turkey's very first robotic general surgery operation and leads the surgical team at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital.

• Specialises in laparoscopic hernia surgery using keyhole techniques for faster recovery and less pain
• Expert in robotic-assisted procedures using the Da Vinci system for high precision
• Former Acting Head of General Surgery at Kadir Has University Faculty of Medicine
• Member of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery