General Surgery · Istanbul

Inguinal & Umbilical Hernia

Prof. Dr. Hakan Yanar — General Surgery Specialist

Hernias do not heal on their own and enlarge over time. A permanent solution and short recovery time are possible with laparoscopic mesh repair.

🔬 Laparoscopic TEP/TAPP🏥 Lichtenstein✅ Bilateral in Single Session📄 50+ International Publications

Home › Conditions › Inguinal & Umbilical Hernia

What is an Inguinal and Umbilical Hernia?

A hernia is the protrusion of intra-abdominal organs through a weak or thinned point in the abdominal wall. The most common types are inguinal hernia and umbilical hernia, while incisional and epigastric hernias are also frequently encountered forms.

All hernias enlarge over time; a strangulated hernia is a life-threatening emergency. Therefore, once diagnosed, surgery is recommended without delay.

⚠️ Emergency: Strangulated Hernia

Sudden severe pain, redness, inability to push the swelling back, and abdominal rigidity in the hernia area are signs of a strangulated hernia — go to the emergency room immediately.

Hernia Types

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Inguinal Hernia

The most common type; 10 times more common in men than women. Indirect type originates from the inguinal canal, direct type from weakness in Hesselbach's triangle.

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Umbilical Hernia

Occurs due to fascial weakness around the navel. Common in obese individuals, women with multiple pregnancies, and chronic constipation patients.

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Incisional Hernia

Occurs through weak connective tissue at the incision site in those who have had previous abdominal surgery. Common in cases accompanied by obesity.

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Femoral / Epigastric

Femoral hernia occurs in the femoral canal, more common in middle-aged women. Epigastric hernia occurs in the abdominal midline above the umbilicus.

Symptoms

Visible swelling in the groin or umbilical area — becomes more prominent when standing or straining
Pain and discomfort feeling after standing for a long time
Feeling of pressure that increases when coughing, straining, or bending over
Testicular pain and scrotal swelling in men (inguinal hernia)
Asymptomatic (painless) swelling in some cases — this should not be considered a reason to delay treatment

Treatment Methods

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Laparoscopic TEP / TAPP — Modern Standard

Preferred Method

45–90 minOperating time

1 dayHospital stay

3–5 daysReturn to work

<5%Recurrence rate

In the laparoscopic TEP (Totally Extraperitoneal) or TAPP (Transabdominal Preperitoneal) method, the hernia sac is pushed back by entering the abdominal cavity through 3 small incisions, and the groin area is reinforced with a special polypropylene mesh.

Advantages: less postoperative pain, single-session repair for bilateral hernias, reduced risk of wound complications and incisional hernia, faster return to work. The long-term recurrence rate is equivalent to open surgery.

Bilateral hernias repaired in a single operation
Postoperative pain is significantly less compared to open surgery
Return to office work is possible in 3–5 days
Recurrence rate <5% — permanent reinforcement with mesh

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Open Lichtenstein Hernia Repair — Reliable Alternative

When Laparoscopy is Not Applicable

30–60 minOperating time

1 dayHospital stay

1–2 weeksReturn to work

<5%Recurrence rate

In cases where laparoscopy is technically not applicable (extensive intra-abdominal adhesions, anatomical variations), open Lichtenstein mesh repair is a safe and effective option. It is the hernia repair technique with the largest evidence base in the world.

It can be performed with local or spinal anesthesia; providing an advantage in patients with high cardiopulmonary risk.

Reliable technique with 50+ years of evidence base
Suitable for high-risk patients with local anesthesia option
Chronic pain risk is minimized with inguinal nerve preservation
Return to work in 1–2 weeks for most patients

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Emergency Surgery — Strangulated Hernia

Emergency Situation

UrgentIntervention needed

NecrosisRisk present

SepsisPreventable

OpenGenerally preferred

In a strangulated hernia, blood circulation to the trapped organ is cut off; bowel necrosis and peritonitis may develop. This life-threatening condition requires immediate surgical intervention.

In emergency cases, the laparoscopic approach is left to the surgeon's evaluation; open surgery is mostly preferred. If there is a necrotic segment, resection and anastomosis are also performed in the same session.

Necrosis progresses every hour in a strangulated hernia
Abdominal rigidity, fever, and vomiting are emergency signs
Do not delay intervention — go to the emergency room
Choice of experienced surgeon directly affects the outcome

Hernia Surgery in Istanbul

Prof. Dr. Hakan Yanar is an experienced general surgeon in laparoscopic and open hernia repair at Liv Hospital Ulus. An individualized treatment plan is created for all hernia types, including single-session laparoscopic repair for bilateral inguinal hernias.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an inguinal hernia?

An inguinal hernia is the protrusion of intra-abdominal organs through a weak point in the inguinal canal. It is 10 times more common in men. It does not heal on its own; it requires surgery due to the risk of strangulation.

What is an umbilical hernia?

An umbilical hernia is the protrusion of intestine or fat tissue through a weak point around the navel. It is common in obese individuals, women with multiple pregnancies, and chronic constipation patients.

Does a hernia heal on its own?

No. Inguinal hernias do not heal on their own; they enlarge over time and the risk of strangulation increases. Planned surgery is recommended once diagnosed.

What is laparoscopic hernia surgery?

In the laparoscopic TEP or TAPP method, the hernia sac is pushed back through small incisions and the area is reinforced with a mesh. Compared to open surgery, it offers less pain, the advantage of a single session for bilateral hernias, and a shorter recovery time.

Can bilateral inguinal hernias be operated on at the same time?

Yes. In the laparoscopic method, hernias in both groins can be repaired in a single session; this is a significant advantage over open surgery.

Is mesh harmful in hernia surgery?

Modern polypropylene meshes have decades of clinical experience. FDA-approved implants reduce the recurrence rate by up to 90%. Prof. Dr. Hakan Yanar chooses the most appropriate mesh type for each patient.

When can I return to work after surgery?

You can return to office work in 3–5 days after laparoscopic hernia surgery, and to heavy physical work in 4–6 weeks.

What is a strangulated hernia?

Blood circulation to the trapped organ is cut off; necrosis may develop. Sudden severe pain, redness, and the inability to push the hernia back are signs of emergency surgery.

Book an Appointment for Hernia Evaluation

Evaluate your inguinal or umbilical hernia with Prof. Dr. Hakan Yanar.

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