Operation of an Umbilical hernia in Turkey, Prices of Istanbul Clinics

What causes an umbilical hernia and how does it present?

An umbilical hernia can be congenital (present from birth in infants) or acquired (developing later in adults). Either way, it reflects a weakness in the abdominal wall. Several factors make this more likely: intense physical effort, a persistent cough, obesity, or pregnancy.

The main sign is a noticeable lump around the navel that varies in size. At rest, this bulge typically causes no pain, but it may become uncomfortable when you strain, cough, or move suddenly. Some patients report a sensation of heaviness in the abdomen or experience digestive symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or constipation.

How is an umbilical hernia diagnosed in Turkey?

Your doctor in Turkey will typically diagnose an umbilical hernia through a straightforward physical exam. They observe the bulge at your navel, which usually becomes more prominent when you cough or stand up.

For more complex cases or when confirmation is needed, additional imaging may be ordered:

• Ultrasound: Provides a clear view of the hernia and identifies what tissues are involved.
• CT scan or MRI: These are more detailed and helpful for assessing complicated hernias or when the diagnosis remains unclear.

How is umbilical hernia treated in Turkey?

Surgery is the only effective treatment for umbilical hernia. The clinics partnered with Turquie Santé perform a hernia repair, using either your own tissue or a prosthetic mesh to reinforce the abdominal wall.

Getting ready for surgery

Your surgeon will provide specific preparation guidelines before the procedure. These typically involve:

• An antiseptic shower
• Shaving the surgical site if needed
• Wearing compression stockings

Sometimes medication is given beforehand to help you relax.

The surgical procedure

The operation takes place under general anesthesia. Your surgeon makes a small incision at the navel and carefully returns the hernia contents (usually fat, occasionally a loop of intestine) to their proper position inside the abdomen. A prosthetic mesh is often placed to strengthen the repair and lower the risk of recurrence. The incision is then closed with absorbable sutures.

Two main surgical approaches are available at our partner clinics:

• Laparoscopy: This minimally invasive method uses several tiny incisions and a camera to guide the surgeon. Recovery is notably faster and causes less pain afterward.
• Open repair: A larger single incision is used. This approach is typically reserved for complex cases or when laparoscopy cannot be performed.

Once surgery is complete, you move to recovery where staff monitor your vital signs closely.

Hospital stay and recovery timeline

Umbilical hernia surgery often does not require overnight hospitalization, depending on the approach used and your individual situation.

Recovery tends to be relatively smooth. You should avoid strenuous activity for several weeks, though many patients resume their everyday routines within about a month.

What are the risks?

Complications from umbilical hernia surgery are uncommon, but can include bleeding, infection, hernia recurrence, or rarely, accidental injury to surrounding structures.

Close follow-up with your surgeon helps catch any issues early and confirms that healing is progressing well.

A postoperative check-in is typically scheduled around one month after your operation.

These steps support a smoother recovery:

• Adhere to your surgeon's postoperative instructions.
• Eat nutritious foods: Proper nutrition speeds tissue healing.
• Wear an abdominal support band: This helps stabilize your abdominal muscles while they heal.
• Gradually return to exercise and physical activity.