Kelly Plication in Turkey: Our Best Clinics and Costs 2026

Kelly plication is a traditional vaginal surgery used to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse. Surgeons place specialized sutures to tighten the pubocervical fascia and support the urethra. This reinforces the bladder neck to prevent involuntary urine leakage during physical activity.

• Primary purpose: Treats stress incontinence by restoring the anatomic position of the bladder neck.
• Surgical approach: Involves folding and suturing the anterior vaginal wall via a vaginal incision.
• Common combinations: Often performed alongside vaginal hysterectomies or prolapse repairs as a supportive measure.
• Recovery timeline: Patients typically achieve a catheter-free recovery within 4 to 6 weeks.
• Alternative options: Modern techniques like mid-urethral slings or Burch colposuspension often provide higher durability.

Bookimed Expert Insight: While modern slings are popular, Turkish specialists like Dr. Bugra Bilge Keseroglu often use Kelly plication as a risk-free adjunct during hysterectomies. This `old-school` stitch avoids synthetic mesh complications entirely. For long-term dryness, our data suggests pairing it with post-op physiotherapy for the best functional results.

Patient Consensus: Patients report that this procedure effectively eliminates the need for pads after surgery. However, effectiveness may diminish after 5 years, especially for those with a high body mass index.

Turkish clinical practice favors modern mid-urethral slings like TOT over Kelly plication due to superior long-term success rates and more stable recovery profiles. While Kelly plication avoids mesh-related risks, it shows higher recurrence rates, whereas TOT achieves 80-90% continence success at five years.

• Success rates: Slings achieve 80-90% success compared to 60-75% for Kelly plication.
• Mesh safety: TOT involves 5% risk of mesh erosion or chronic groin pain.
• Procedure role: Kelly plication is now primarily a complementary technique for specific pelvic surgeries.
• Sexual function: Some Turkish studies indicate Kelly plication may offer better post-operative IFSF scores.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from major Istanbul centers suggests Kelly plication often leads to revision surgeries when used alone. Surgeons like Dr. Bugra Bilge Keseroglu now prioritize robotic or laparoscopic approaches for better outcomes. Many Turkish specialists use Kelly plication only as an adjunct to pelvic floor reconstruction. This strategy addresses anatomical support while the sling provides definitive continence control.

Patient Consensus: Patients often regret choosing Kelly plication as a standalone option due to recurring leakage. They recommend mid-urethral slings from the start to avoid the physical strain of second-stage revision procedures.

Kelly plication is the best choice for patients with mild stress urinary incontinence and a low BMI who prioritize a mesh-free approach. Modern midurethral slings remain the gold standard for moderate-to-severe leaking, offering superior durability for active lifestyles and those with prior surgical failures.

• Ideal Kelly candidate: Patients with mild leaking and no history of pelvic organ prolapse.
• Sling procedure benefits: Provides 77 percent to 90 percent long-term success for severe incontinence cases.
• Recovery timeframes: Kelly plication requires 2 weeks of recovery compared to 6 weeks for slings.
• Surgical preference: Choose slings for intrinsic sphincter deficiency or after failed previous incontinence repairs.

Bookimed Expert Insight: While Kelly plication is more affordable, our data shows a shift toward robotic-assisted surgeries in Istanbul. Physicians like Dr. Bugra Bilge Keseroglu at Istinye University Liv Hospital Topkapi utilize robotic systems for precise, minimally invasive incontinence corrections that bridge the gap between traditional plication and mesh-based slings.

Patient Consensus: Many younger, active women prefer the 2-week recovery of Kelly plication. However, patients who have experienced childbirth damage often find that the mechanical support of a sling is necessary for long-term relief.

Kelly plication involves suturing the urethra and bladder neck to provide permanent support for the pelvic floor. Surgeons fold and stitch the vaginal wall to create a hammock-like structure. Most patients in Turkey require only 1 night of hospitalization or same-day discharge.

• Surgical technique: Surgeons use permanent stitches to tighten the supportive fascia via a vaginal incision.
• Hospital stay: Expect 1 night of overnight observation or discharge within 4–6 hours post-operation.
• Recovery time: Most patients return to light work within 7–10 days after the procedure.
• Long-term results: Continence typically improves within 4–6 weeks as the internal tissues fully heal.

Bookimed Expert Insight: While adult Kelly plication treats bladder prolapse, it differs significantly from the pediatric version. Child-specific procedures require 7–10 days of hospitalization for complex reconstruction. In Istanbul, specialists like Prof. Dr. Ozkan Onuk often combine this with other urological techniques. Choosing a surgeon with 1,200+ procedures ensures the hammock stitching provides maximum long-term stability.

Patient Consensus: Many patients report walking comfortably within 24 hours but suggest packing pads for initial leaks. Success increases significantly when you strictly follow pelvic floor physical therapy in the first month.

Patients discussing Kelly plication in Turkey must address long-term recurrence rates, voiding dysfunction, and potential dyspareunia. Discussions should focus on the 46.8% recurrence risk within five years and the possibility of new-onset urge incontinence or urinary retention requiring temporary catheterization.

• Recurrence risk: Success rates often decrease significantly within 1 to 5 years post-surgery.
• Voiding dysfunction: Incomplete bladder emptying or urinary retention may require temporary catheter use.
• Sexual health: Vaginal scarring or narrowing can lead to pain during intercourse (dyspareunia).
• Organ safety: Surgeons must discuss potential accidental injury to the bladder, urethra, or ureters.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Turkish specialists like Prof. Dr. Ozkan Onuk often perform over 800 urological procedures. This high volume is crucial because technical precision during plication directly impacts long-term success. Always ask your surgeon for their personal success rate specifically for non-mesh repairs versus sling procedures.

Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the need to clarify mesh erosion risks and insist on a written consent form. Many recommend verifying the clinic revision policy in case symptoms return within the first 18 months.

Recovery after Kelly plication in Turkey typically takes 2 to 6 weeks for most patients. While light movement is encouraged within 48 hours, full healing of the pelvic floor tissues requires strictly avoiding heavy lifting and high-impact exercise for at least 6 weeks.

• Hospital stay: Expect 1–2 days of inpatient care for monitoring and initial bladder management.
• Catheter duration: Patients often use a Foley catheter for 5–7 days before transitioning to normal urination.
• Physical activity: Start short walks by day 3 while using support garments to assist movement.
• Work timeline: Most individuals return to desk-based or light-duty roles within 2 weeks.
• Strict restrictions: Avoid lifting items over 5kg and refrain from sexual activity for 6–8 weeks.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from centers like the private clinic of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Özbaşlı shows that integrating pelvic floor physical therapy in week 1 significantly improves long-term outcomes. Many patients traveling to Istanbul mistakenly wait until week 6 to start rehab, but early, gentle engagement prevents common post-surgical urgency issues.

Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the necessity of stocking laxatives to prevent strain and suggest budgeting an extra week in Turkey to manage initial post-operative swelling before flying home.

International patients choose accredited Turkish hospitals for Kelly plication because they offer a 95% to 99% success rate at _price_percent_discount_% lower costs than the US. Facilities like Hisar Intercontinental and Medical Park provide JCI-accredited care, specialized urogyn surgeons, and comprehensive all-inclusive recovery packages.

• Cost efficiency: Procedures typically cost $2,300 to $3,700, saving patients significant amounts.
• High volume: Turkish specialists often perform 10 to 20 times more cases than Western peers.
• Rapid recovery: Minimally invasive techniques allow return to work within 7 days post-surgery.
• Clinical credentials: Surgeons like Prof. Dr. Ozkan Onuk maintain memberships in the European Association of Urology.
• Integrated logistics: All-inclusive bundles cover VIP transfers, 24/7 translation, and 3 to 5 hospital nights.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a clear trend where top-tier Turkish surgeons, such as Dr. Bugra Bilge Keseroglu, offer both traditional Kelly plication and advanced robotic Burch colposuspension. This surgical versatility is rare. Patients benefit because doctors can switch techniques mid-consultation based on specific pelvic floor needs.

Patient Consensus: Many express relief at how quickly catheters are removed, often within 24 to 48 hours. They highlight that high-volume centers in Istanbul make solo medical travel feel safe and managed.