Introduction

This edition of the SAGES Manual of Hernia Surgery aligns with the current version of the new SAGES University MASTERS Program Hernia Surgery pathway. This manual serves as a curriculum for participants in the MASTERS Program as well as a modern text on hernia surgery for all learners. Hernia surgery is one of the fastest developing fields in general surgery today. There have been rapid advancements in hernia techniques in recent years, making most prior texts on the subject obsolete. These advancements involve significant evolution in both the techniques and strategies for hernia repairs, as well as the tools used to achieve these means. This text thoroughly addresses the multiple component separation techniques and options for locations of mesh repairs. It also discusses the revolution of hernia repair being facilitated by robotic surgery, which allows increased access to minimally invasive techniques for surgeons and thus increased access to minimally invasive surgical repairs for patients. This manual will be a valuable resource for interested surgeons to understand the variety of potential approaches to individual hernias, and to individually tailor the care of the hernia patient.