HIG (SA) Guidelines for the Management of Ventral Hernias

Ventral hernia repair is one of the most common general surgical procedures. The best opportunity for a successful outcome is the first repair. The last two decades has seen significant advances in surgical technique, types of mesh, fixation devices imaging techniques and the understanding of abdominal wall biomechanics. In addition, there has been a shift to a patient centered, evidenced based care and the importance of measuring outcomes increasingly recognized.This has resulted in a significant shift in approach to hernia care worldwide. Despite these advances internationally, change has been slow in South Africa. It is clear that teaching, training and management in herniology need to be prioritized in South Africa. Care pathways need to shift to a tailored, patient-centered, evidence and consensus based paradigm and patient outcomes need to be measured.The Hernia Interest Group of South Africa (HIG) established these guidelines with a view to creating a platform for change. These are the first national and international guidelines addressing both open and laparoscopic ventral hernia care. The HIG has presented objective, locally relevant guidelines that we believe will be useful to all surgeons, referring doctors, the health care industry and funders. The establishment of guidelines is a dynamic process and the intention is to update the guidelines every three years.