Hernia Center · Berlin-Kreuzberg
Inguinal hernia surgery in Berlin — minimally invasive and usually outpatient
Specialized hernia surgery in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Dedicated surgeons, gentle keyhole technique, transparent costs.
First assess, then decide
For anything that isn't urgent, feel free to write to us.
Fri 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Examination standing and lying down with ultrasound, about 30 minutes. Afterwards, you will know whether and when surgery makes sense.
Book an appointment online
Key Points at a Glance
An inguinal hernia does not close on its own
An inguinal hernia can only be closed surgically — medication or trusses cannot make the gap in the abdominal wall go away. The procedure is one of the most common operations in Germany and, in experienced hands, a routine procedure.
More in the Knowledge Center: Recognizing symptoms of an inguinal hernia · Does an inguinal hernia always need surgery?
- The operation usually takes 30 to 60 minutes
- Outpatient — you go home the same day
- For patients with statutory health insurance, inguinal hernia surgery is covered
- Light activities are usually possible again after a few days
- Avoid heavy lifting for about four to six weeks
Procedure
Which surgical method is right for you?
There is no single “right” method. Which procedure we recommend depends on whether the hernia is on one or both sides, whether it is a first-time procedure or a recurrent hernia, and on your general health. We discuss the decision with you together before the procedure.
| Procedure | Approach | Particularly suitable for | Anesthesia |
|---|---|---|---|
TAPP Standard in our clinic transabdominal preperitoneal |
Keyhole, three small incisions | bilateral hernias, recurrent hernias, unclear findings in women | General anesthesia |
TEP total extraperitoneal |
Keyhole, without opening the abdominal cavity | unilateral hernias, if there have been previous operations in the abdominal area | General anesthesia |
Lichtenstein open mesh reinforcement |
open incision in the groin | very large hernias, if general anesthesia should be avoided | local anesthesia possible |
With all three procedures, we reinforce the abdominal wall with a mesh. This significantly reduces the risk of a recurrent hernia and is the standard for adults today.
One advantage of the keyhole technique: during the procedure, we can inspect both sides and the femoral region. This is particularly relevant for female patients, because a femoral hernia can be hidden there.
Our standard procedure is TAPP; TEP for unilateral primary hernias; Lichtenstein if there is a contraindication to general anesthesia or for extensive scrotal hernias.
Procedure
From consultation to home
Consultation
Examination standing and lying down, supplemented by ultrasound. We assess the size, location and contents of the hernia and discuss with you whether and when surgery makes sense. Duration: about 30 minutes.
Preparation
Informed consent consultation, anesthesia consultation, and, if necessary, blood draw and ECG. These appointments can usually be combined.
The procedure
30 to 60 minutes, depending on the procedure and findings. Bilateral hernias take correspondingly longer.
Recovery phase
Two to four hours of monitoring. In most cases, you will go home a few hours after the operation — accompanied, and provided someone is available at home.
Aftercare
Wound check after 7 to 10 days. Final check after about six weeks.
Risks
Risks we discuss with you
Inguinal hernia surgery is one of the most common and well-studied procedures in surgery. Serious complications are rare. The following are known — and we discuss them with you before the procedure, not just if they occur.
- Postoperative bleeding and bruising — usually harmless and resolves on its own
- Seroma — a fluid collection in the surgical area that usually disappears on its own
- Wound infection — rare and usually easy to treat with antibiotics
- Chronic groin pain — discomfort that can last for months. The most important long-term complication; that is why we address it openly
- Recurrence — a new hernia at the same site. Rare with mesh reinforcement, and usually operable again
Please contact us if you develop fever, increasing pain, or redness in the surgical area after the operation. (030) 2529 9482
Costs
How much does inguinal hernia surgery cost?
For the vast majority of patients, the answer is simple: Inguinal hernia surgery is covered by health insurance — both statutory and private.
Statutory health insurance
Inguinal hernia surgery is covered by statutory health insurance. You will not incur any costs for the procedure itself.
As we operate on an outpatient basis, there is no statutory co-payment for you.
A medical indication is required. We clarify whether this is the case in the hernia consultation.
Privately insured
For privately insured patients, inguinal hernia surgery is also a reimbursable service. We bill according to the German Medical Fee Schedule (GOÄ).
Clarify coverage with your insurance beforehand. You will receive the necessary documents from us.
Are you a self-payer or not insured in Germany? We will discuss the costs during the initial examination — and you will receive a written cost estimate before any decision is made.
A figure in advance would be advisable: What the procedure costs depends on the findings, the chosen method, and the type of anesthesia. That's why we only provide it after we have examined you.
Surgeons
Who will operate on you
The doctor who examines you in the consultation will also operate on you. No rotating team, no handover to unknown colleagues.
Dr. med. David Machó
Dr. med. Charalambos Menenakos, FACS, MHBA
Location · Berlin-Kreuzberg
Where we operate
We perform all hernia operations in our surgery center on Charlottenstraße in Berlin-Kreuzberg. The consultation and the procedure take place at the same location.
Reception
Procedure room
Recovery area
Exterior viewReal photos from the surgery center — not stock photography.
VenaZiel MVZ — Hernia Center
10969 Berlin
Mon–Thu 8:00 AM–5:00 PM · Fri 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
For anything that isn't urgent, feel free to write to us — then you will have our answer in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about inguinal hernia surgery
Is the operation painful?
You will not feel anything during the procedure — it is performed under anesthesia. Afterwards, mild pain in the surgical area is normal and can be well controlled with standard painkillers. Most patients report that the discomfort noticeably decreases after a few days.
Does the health insurance company cover the costs?
Yes. For patients with statutory health insurance, inguinal hernia surgery is a covered service; for privately insured patients, it is a reimbursable service according to GOÄ. Only if you are a self-payer or not insured in Germany will we discuss the costs during the initial examination.
When can I return to work?
If you have a predominantly sedentary job, usually after about one week. If your work involves physical labor with lifting and carrying, expect three to six weeks. We issue the certificate of incapacity for work individually based on your occupation.
Is the mesh safe?
Meshes have been used in hernia surgery for decades and are well studied. They significantly reduce the risk of a recurrent hernia. The material remains permanently in the body and is generally well tolerated. We will discuss which type of mesh we use with you before the procedure.
How high is the risk that the hernia will come back?
With mesh reinforcement and in experienced hands, the recurrence rate is in the low single-digit percentage range. If a recurrent hernia does occur, it can usually be operated on again — often minimally invasively.
Do I have to stay overnight?
No. We operate exclusively on an outpatient basis and do not have beds for overnight stays. The prerequisite is that you are accompanied home and are not alone for the first few hours. If pre-existing conditions or extensive findings argue against an outpatient procedure, we will tell you so during the consultation and plan the surgery together with a clinic.
How can I tell if it is urgent?
Sudden severe pain, a bulge that can no longer be pushed back in, as well as nausea or vomiting. These can be signs of incarceration and must be assessed by a doctor immediately. More details: Is an inguinal hernia dangerous?
Let us first assess what is actually necessary
In the hernia consultation, we clarify whether and when surgery makes sense. You will receive a clear assessment — and then decide at your leisure.
Prefer to write? [email protected]
By phone at (030) 2529 9482
Mon–Thu 8:00 AM–5:00 PM · Fri 8:00 AM–3:00 PM