Best Hiatal Hernia Hiatal Hernia: TOP 19 doctors

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.

General and Digestive System Surgeon. Focus on minimally invasive colorectal, proctologic, and abdominal wall surgery. Associate Head, Infanta Elena University Hospital (2021–). Associate Surgeon, Fundación Jiménez Díaz (2013–).

Accreditations: PhD in Surgery, summa cum laude (UAM). Certified in robotic surgery (Da Vinci X/Xi/5). Advanced training in laparoscopic general surgery (IRCAD, Strasbourg). Specialist in General and Digestive Surgery (Fundación Jiménez Díaz).

Achievements: Researcher (2013–). Author of a patent for an abdominal wall prosthetic implantation system (2021). Co‑author of the Rectal Obturator utility model (2021). Peer reviewer, International Journal of Surgery Case Reports (2024–). Thesis tutor (2023–). Publications in Cirugía Española, Experimental Biology and Medicine, Histology and Histopathology, and The American Journal of Surgery. Member of AEC, AECP, and ICOMEM.

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)

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

3,500+ successful bariatric and metabolic surgeries performed – Dr. Prieto Aldape specializes in hiatal hernia repairs with a focus on long-term outcomes.

• 18 years of experience of surgical experience
• Board-certified in General and Bariatric Surgery
• Chief of the Bariatric Surgery Unit at Civil Hospital of Guadalajara
• Author of eight peer-reviewed publications on hernia repair
• Head of the Education Committee at the Mexican College of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery

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.

Performed the first general surgery operation in Turkey using the Da Vinci robotic system – Dr. Dibekoglu specializes in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

• General Surgery Specialist with over 35 years of experience of experience
• Expert in laparoscopic hernia surgery and GERD procedures
• Member of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery
• Works at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital

Dr. Puttapong Serttikul, M.D., is a general surgeon. He completed his general surgery residency at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital in 2014. He earned his M.D. from Chulalongkorn University in 2007. He practices at Inthrarat Hospital (2025–present). He previously held general surgery posts at CGH Hospital (2021–2025) and Phra Phutthabat Hospital (2014–2021).

His clinical training includes GI endoscopy at Lopburi Cancer Hospital in 2015. He trained in ERCP at Rajavithi Hospital in 2016. He completed laparoscopic colorectal surgery training at Chulalongkorn University Hospital in 2018. He also completed ICD-10 coding training with the NHSO in 2015. He has served on the NHSO Region 4 Audit Committee since 2015.

Prof. Dr. Alaettin Celik specializes in Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology, with decades of experience at Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital.

• Founded the Pediatric Surgery Department at Istanbul Faculty of Medicine
• Author of multiple pediatric surgery textbooks
• Member of Turkish Ministry of Health Pediatric Surgery Society
• Trained at London's 'The Hospital for Sick Children'

Prof. Martin Schindl specializes in complex abdominal surgeries, including hiatal hernia repairs, with decades of experience at Wiener Privatklinik.

• Expert in hepato-pancreato-biliary and visceral surgery
• Professor of Surgery at Medical University of Vienna
• Focuses on precision techniques for better recovery
• Published extensively on surgical oncology outcomes

Dr. César Canales has led General and Digestive Surgery and the Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery Unit at Hospital Ruber Internacional (Madrid) since 2015. He is a General and Digestive Surgeon with over 30 years of experience. He specializes in laparoscopic and Da Vinci robotic surgery for complex abdominal, oncologic, and abdominal wall cases.

He holds a PhD (cum laude, UAM) and an MD (with honors, UCM). He completed his specialist training at Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón. He is also certified by the Military Medical Corps. He has authored over 70 publications and 12 book chapters, including the Manual of Surgery (McGraw-Hill). He has served as faculty in more than 16 courses. Awards include Forbes Top 100 Doctors (2024), Top 5 General and Digestive Surgeons in Spain (2021–2024), La Razón Doctor of the Year (2024), and El Confidencial Best Doctors in Spain (2025).

Prof. Selin Kapan has been a Professor of General Surgery since 2017. She is currently with Istanbul Aydın University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery (2022–present). She previously worked at Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital as a Specialist and Associate Professor. She also served as Educational and Administrative Supervisor at Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital. In addition, she was Medical Coordinator and General Surgeon at Istanbul Surgery Hospital.

She has authored or co-authored more than 50 peer-reviewed papers. Her research covers hernia repair, perianal fistula, pilonidal disease, hepatic hydatid disease, laparoscopic surgery, and gastrointestinal surgery. Her work has been published in journals such as Digestive Surgery, Hernia, Techniques in Coloproctology, and the Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. She is a member of the Turkish Surgical Association, the National Trauma and Emergency Surgery Association, the Hernia Society, the Turkish HPB Surgery Association, the Stem Cell and Cellular Therapies Association, and the Gastroesophageal Reflux Association.

Associate Professor Mehmet Akif Aydin specializes in surgical treatments at Medical Park Bahcelievler Hospital, with 28 years of experience of experience.

• Trained at Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine
• Member of the Society of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery
• Active in Turkish Surgical Society & Turkish Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery
• Performs both general and specialized surgeries

Dr. Siripong Lakkhanawong, MD, is a specialist in Family Medicine, General Surgery, and Plastic Surgery. He has more than 25 years of medical experience.

He provides patient-focused care with a strong emphasis on safety and professional standards. His work centers on general and plastic surgery. His goal is to achieve consistent, long-lasting surgical outcomes.