Hernia surgery in Turkey: what you should know before you book
A hernia is a gap in the muscle wall of the abdomen through which fat or a loop of bowel pushes out. It does not heal by itself, and the only treatment that removes it is an operation. Hernia surgery is short, common and well standardised, which is why it suits a trip abroad better than many other operations: most patients are in hospital for a day or less. On our site hernia repair in Turkey starts at €3,150, the hospital's own price for international patients.
This guide covers the group of hernias that surgeons repair with the same principles: inguinal (groin), femoral, umbilical (navel), incisional (through an old scar) and ventral hernias. Hiatal hernia, where the stomach slides up through the diaphragm, is a different operation and has its own page: hiatal hernia repair. The hospital that repairs hernias and its price are shown on this page, and a quote is free.
Hernia Repair in Turkey: how it works
- 1Send your photos and questions
Free and without obligation: tell us what you want to change and send a few photos — by form or WhatsApp.
- 2Get a written plan and price
A surgeon reviews your case and you receive a personal plan with the price, usually within 24 hours. Compare hospitals; nothing is paid in advance.
- 3Travel, surgery and aftercare
Airport pick-up, examination, surgery and check-ups in Istanbul, then follow-up with your surgeon after you fly home.
Hernia Repair in Turkey: hospitals and prices
Hospitals on our site that perform Hernia Repair, with each hospital's own list price for international patients, shown in your currency.
-
Price from€3,150 Get price
Types of Hernia Repair in Turkey and prices
| Type | Price in Turkey | |
|---|---|---|
| Hiatal Hernia Repair | Price on request | Get price |
| Incisional Hernia Repair | Price on request | Get price |
| Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair | Price on request | Get price |
| Robotic Umbilical Hernia Repair | Price on request | Get price |
- Within about 2 hours
A coordinator replies in your language by WhatsApp or e-mail.
- Within 24 hours
A surgeon reviews your photos and you receive a written plan with the surgeon's name and the price.
- You decide
Ask anything and take your time — nothing is paid in advance.
Why plan Hernia Repair in Turkey with Treat Journey?
- Free for patients
Searching, comparing and requesting quotes costs nothing. You pay the hospital directly, at the price in your written quote — never a pre-payment to us.
- Real hospital prices, published
Every price on this page is the hospital's own price for international patients, shown live in your currency, with what the package includes.
- A named surgeon and a written plan
Your quote names the surgeon and the hospital and lists exactly what is included — no anonymous packages.
- Licensed hospitals only
We list licensed hospitals with an international patient department; accreditations such as JCI are shown on each hospital page.
- Honest reviews
We show real patient reviews, including Google reviews and critical ones, and we never invent ratings.
- Support before, during and after
A coordinator in your language answers within hours, arranges transfers and an interpreter, and stays in touch after you fly home.
Does every hernia need surgery?
No. A hernia that causes no pain, can be pushed back and has never become stuck can sometimes be watched. A large randomised trial of men with minimal groin symptoms (Fitzgibbons and colleagues, JAMA 2006) found that watchful waiting was acceptable, with a low yearly risk of the hernia becoming trapped, reported as about 1.8 events per 1,000 patient-years. Many of those men still chose surgery later because of pain or growth.
Surgery is advised when a hernia is painful, growing, interferes with work or exercise, or is a femoral hernia, which carries a higher risk of strangulation. A hernia that suddenly becomes hard and tender and cannot be pushed back, especially with vomiting, is an emergency: the blood supply of the trapped bowel can be cut off. Do not travel; go to the nearest emergency department.
Types of hernia and how each is repaired
The technique depends on where the hernia is and how large it is. The table summarises the usual approach; your surgeon decides after an examination and, if needed, an ultrasound or CT scan.
| Hernia | Usual repair | Typical stay |
|---|---|---|
| Inguinal (groin) | Mesh repair, open or keyhole; see laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair | Day case to one night |
| Umbilical (navel) | Stitch repair for small defects, mesh for larger ones; see umbilical hernia correction and robotic umbilical repair | Day case to one night |
| Incisional (old scar) | Mesh, open or keyhole; large defects may need a component separation; see incisional hernia repair | One to three nights |
| Femoral | Mesh or stitch repair, often scheduled sooner because of the strangulation risk | Day case to one night |
Open, laparoscopic and robotic repair
Open repair uses one cut over the hernia and can be done under local, spinal or general anaesthesia. It is a good choice for a first, one-sided groin hernia and for patients who should avoid a long general anaesthetic.
Laparoscopic (keyhole) repair places a mesh from the inside through three small cuts under general anaesthesia; the two common methods are called TAPP and TEP. It is often chosen for hernias on both sides, for recurrent hernias and for people who want an earlier return to physical work. Robotic repair follows the same keyhole principle with a surgeon-controlled robot; it is available at some hospitals, costs more and has not been shown to give better results for simple hernias.
International guidelines (HerniaSurge, 2018) recommend a mesh for most adult groin hernias because it lowers the chance of the hernia coming back. Ask which technique your surgeon proposes and why, and how many of them he or she performs each year.
How much does hernia surgery cost in Turkey?
Hernia repair in Turkey costs from €3,150 at the hospital on this page, and the page shows the price in your own currency. The price depends on the hernia, the technique and the number of nights; large incisional hernias and robotic repair cost more. The comparison below uses approximate private-sector totals; they vary widely and are confirmed only in a written quote.
| Country | Typical price of a private hernia repair (approximate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | from €3,150 | Surgeon, anaesthesia, mesh, hospital stay and tests; transfers and hotel nights depend on the package |
| United Kingdom | about £2,500–£5,500 | Free on the NHS, but waiting lists for non-urgent hernias can be long |
| United States | about $5,000–$15,000 | Hospital, surgeon and anaesthesia are often billed separately |
| Germany | about €3,000–€6,000 | Covered by statutory insurance for residents |
Honestly, for a straightforward hernia repair the saving in Turkey is smaller than for cosmetic surgery, and for a patient with a good NHS or insurance pathway it may be nothing. Travelling makes sense mainly if you would wait many months, pay privately, or want a specific technique such as a keyhole repair of both sides at once. Flights and any extra nights are paid separately.
Preparing for surgery and a short trip plan
Before you book, send your diagnosis or a scan report, a list of medicines (especially blood thinners) and any previous abdominal operations. The surgeon may ask you to stop smoking, which lowers wound and recurrence problems, and to lose weight first if you have a large incisional hernia.
For a standard repair plan about five to seven days. Day 1 is arrival and a consultation with an examination and, if needed, an ultrasound. Surgery is usually on day 2. Most patients leave hospital the same day or the next morning, rest at the hotel and have a wound check on day 3 to 5. Your surgeon should confirm that you may fly before you leave. For the general arrangements see how it works. Incisional or large repairs need a longer stay.
Recovery after hernia surgery
- First days: soreness and bruising around the wound, sometimes swelling of the groin or scrotum; painkillers control it. Walk short distances from the first day.
- Weeks 1 to 2: most people manage desk work after about one week; keyhole repair is usually quicker than open repair.
- Weeks 2 to 6: avoid heavy lifting; typical advice is nothing heavy for about four to six weeks, longer after a large incisional repair.
- Driving and flying: you can drive when you can brake sharply without pain, commonly after about a week. Flights are usually allowed after the wound check, with the usual advice to walk in the cabin and drink water.
A lump or fullness at the wound for some weeks is common and usually a collection of fluid; ask your surgeon if it grows or becomes hot or red.
Risks and complications
Hernia repair is a low-risk operation, but not a risk-free one. The main problems are bleeding or a bruise, infection, a collection of fluid (seroma), difficulty passing urine after anaesthesia, and the hernia returning. Chronic pain lasting more than three months after groin hernia repair is reported by a minority of patients in published series; how often depends on the technique and the surgeon. A separate page covers treatment of chronic pain after hernia surgery.
Recurrence is lower after mesh repair than after repairs with stitches only, and higher in smokers, in people with obesity and in large incisional hernias. Stopping smoking several weeks before surgery and losing weight, if advised, lower the risk.
How to choose a hospital and surgeon
Ask for the surgeon's name before you pay, and ask how many hernia repairs he or she performs in a year. Check that the operation takes place in a licensed hospital with an anaesthesiologist present and that the type of mesh is recorded. Ask for your operation report and the mesh label, because a surgeon at home will need them if you have a problem. See the list of hospitals and the hospital shown on this page, Lokman Hekim Istanbul Hospital.
Red flags are a price given from a photo only, pressure to pay a deposit at once, no mention of the technique or mesh, and a promise that the hernia will never return. Related treatments are on the gastroenterology page, and the group page for all hernia operations is hernia surgery.
Hernia Repair in Turkey reviews
Reviews of the hospitals and surgeons on this page that perform Hernia Repair, with reviews about this treatment first. Reviews from Google are marked.
I had a mommy makeover with Dr. Murat Yaman in September and I am extremely satisfied with my results. Dr. Yaman contoured my waist and back with liposuction and then performed the muscle repair with tummy tuck. His precision has given me a beautiful hour glass body. I am forever grateful to Dr. Murat Yaman. He is the most sweetest, gentlest person. The nurses at the hospital also cared for after surgery and did their best to assist me because I did not have a companion. Bless their hearts.
I had muscle repair combined with a Tummy tuck and Liposuction. I had an excellent experience at Lokman Hekim. The service was great from start to finish. I travelled on my own. They kept me in hospital an extra night to be sure I was ok. The doctor and nursing staff were attentive and thorough. So far 14 days post op I am very happy with my decision
I was looking for a doctor to perform surgery for a recurrent abdominal wall hernia. Generally, I'd encountered doctors who were reluctant and lacked confidence. Then, on the recommendation of Prof. Dr. İbrahim Erdim, an ENT specialist working at this hospital, I consulted Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Saydam. From the very first moment, I understood how knowledgeable he was in his field. With the confidence he instilled in me, I immediately decided to have the surgery. There was only one day I could have the operation. Despite it being his day off, the doctor didn't refuse my request and performed the surgery that day, and then came to visit me on Sunday to discharge me. My surgery went very well. The nurses on the 3rd floor were truly dedicated professionals. They were attentive to our needs without the slightest frown. They responded to every call immediately. I thank them all very much. The hospital was generally spotless, and I received my treatment without any disruptions. My only minor criticism would be regarding the hospital food. I think this hospital is a little below its usual standard. It's not bad, but I think it should be better. I thank the people who established such institutions and all the healthcare workers who keep them running. Thank you for being there.
Today, my brother and I came to Lokman Hekim Hospital for a routine check-up. We come every year. But this year, we would like to thank Ms. Selda for welcoming and caring for us. She listened patiently, explaining everything step by step. I would like to thank her here as well and wish her continued success. Seeing such a caring person in such an institution truly made us happy.
It's a terrible place. I used many of its departments, even had surgery there, but I'll never go near it again. When you call about the results, they even hang up on you.
The receptionist in the emergency room told us our registration was complete and directed us to the doctor. However, when we went to see the doctor, we were told that no record had been created for us. Communication and coordination between departments are completely lacking. Patients being directed from one place to another in this way causes both a waste of time and serious inconvenience. One of the most basic things a hospital should have is order, communication, and professionalism. Unfortunately, we saw none of these. We were extremely dissatisfied with our experience. In terms of service quality and patient satisfaction, it is definitely an institution far below our expectations. We were not at all pleased.
Frequently asked questions
At the hospital on this page hernia repair starts from about €3,150 for international patients, shown in your currency on the page. Larger, recurrent or incisional hernias and robotic repair cost more. The exact price is written in your quote.
On the NHS hernia repair is free, but you may wait. A private repair usually costs about £2,500–£5,500 (approximate; ask for a written quote). Check whether the consultation and follow-up are included.
Hernia repair is a well-standardised operation. It is as safe as the surgeon and hospital you choose: a licensed hospital with an anaesthesiologist, a surgeon who repairs hernias regularly, a clear technique and a recorded mesh type, and a wound check before you fly.
No. A hernia does not close by itself and a truss or belt only holds it in. A small painless hernia may be watched, but the only treatment that removes it is an operation.
Usually five to seven days for a groin or umbilical hernia: consultation, surgery, a night in hospital at most and a wound check. Large incisional hernias need longer.
Neither is better for every patient. Open repair suits a first, one-sided groin hernia and local or spinal anaesthesia; keyhole repair is often chosen for hernias on both sides, recurrences and an earlier return to physical work. Your surgeon should explain the choice.
Most people walk on the first day, return to desk work after about one week and avoid heavy lifting for four to six weeks. Large incisional repairs take longer.
Usually after the wound check, commonly from day 3 to 5 for a simple repair, if your surgeon agrees. Walk in the cabin and drink water.
It can. Recurrence is lower after mesh repair than after stitches alone and higher in smokers, in people with obesity and in large incisional hernias. Ask your surgeon about the figure for your type of hernia.
No, but a hernia that becomes hard, very painful and cannot be pushed back, especially with vomiting, is an emergency. Go to the nearest emergency department; do not wait to travel.