For patients in South Africa

Hiatus hernia repair in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

A hiatus (hiatal) hernia, which our main site calls a stomach hernia, is where part of the stomach pushes up through the opening in the diaphragm into the chest. It can cause ongoing acid reflux, heartburn, chest discomfort and difficulty swallowing. Repair returns the stomach to its place and closes the opening. This page covers the operation and how to plan the trip from South Africa.

What the operation involves

The surgeon returns the stomach to its normal position and repairs the opening in the diaphragm to help prevent recurrence. In many cases the upper part of the stomach is also wrapped around the lower oesophagus, a step called fundoplication, to reduce acid reflux. The operation is usually done laparoscopically, through small cuts. Ask the surgeon what to eat in the first weeks, as early swallowing discomfort is common.

Who it suits

• A doctor has diagnosed a hiatus hernia
• You have persistent acid reflux, heartburn, chest discomfort or difficulty swallowing
• Symptoms affect your quality of life
• You are in good general health and fit for surgery

Send any scan or report with your enquiry; the surgeon confirms suitability. Other hernia types are covered in our hernia repair guide, part of our general surgery guide for South African patients, and the procedure is also on our stomach (hiatus) hernia repair page.

When not to travel

New or severe chest pain, vomiting blood, black stools, unexplained weight loss or being unable to swallow need prompt medical care in South Africa. Do not put these down to reflux and wait for a planned trip. Bring the results of any scope, scan or other test you have already had; the surgeon may ask for further tests before recommending surgery.

How long to stay, and the flight home

On arrival you have health checks, blood tests and a face-to-face meeting with the surgeon. You walk gently soon after the operation, the wound is checked before discharge, and you then recover at Mandarin Grove, our recovery retreat near İzmir. Most patients fly home after five to seven days, but the surgeon decides and may ask you to stay longer before the ten-hour flight to Johannesburg or Cape Town. Book a return ticket you can change.

• Choose an aisle seat, walk regularly on the flight and drink water
• Ask for help with luggage, and tell us early about any history of blood clots

Recovery at home

Light activity and desk work are usually possible within one to two weeks. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise wait until the surgeon clears you; full recovery typically takes four to six weeks.

Follow-up continues by message and video call with the same team; Turkey is one hour ahead of South Africa. Tell your GP before you travel, and take your operation note and any mesh details home. Under our treatment guarantee, complications and clinically necessary revisions within one year are treated in İzmir at no charge for that treatment; flights and accommodation are your own cost. See also our clinic facts and complaints process.

Risks

Like any operation, hernia repair carries risks: pain, swelling and bruising, wound infection, bleeding, fluid collection (seroma), the hernia coming back, and more rarely injury to nearby structures, blood clots or mesh-related problems. The surgeon discusses these with you before you agree.

Cost and cover

Pricing is transparent and set out in writing after a surgeon has reviewed your records; it depends mainly on the technique and the length of stay. Medical schemes generally do not cover planned treatment abroad, and travel insurance usually excludes it, so check both before booking.

What we will not do

We will not confirm a plan before a surgeon has reviewed you, encourage you to travel with symptoms that need urgent care, operate if your health makes it unsafe, or promise that the hernia will never come back.

Frequently asked questions

Is a hiatus hernia the same as a stomach hernia?

On our main site, stomach hernia repair means repair of a hiatus hernia, where part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest. It is different from a belly button or groin hernia.

What is a fundoplication?

It is a step often added to hiatus hernia repair, where the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower oesophagus to reduce acid reflux. The surgeon explains whether you need it.

Is hiatus hernia repair keyhole surgery?

It is usually done by laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery through small cuts. The surgeon confirms the approach after reviewing your records.

How long after hiatus hernia repair can I fly home to South Africa?

Most patients are ready to fly after five to seven days, but the surgeon decides. Because the flight home takes around ten hours, you may be asked to stay longer.

Will my medical aid cover hiatus hernia repair abroad?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover planned treatment abroad, and travel insurance usually excludes it. Ask your scheme before booking; we cannot promise cover.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.