Innovations, Techniques, and Outcomes in Abdominal Wall and Hiatal Hernia Surgery

Abdominal wall and hiatal hernia surgery has witnessed profound changes in recent decades, fueled by rapid developments in laparoscopy, robotics, biomaterials, and perioperative care. Despite these advancements, the field continues to grapple with high rates of hernia recurrence, chronic pain, mesh-related complications, and the intricacies of complex cases, which have been exacerbated by the rising prevalence of obesity, frailty, and challenging incisional hernias. While novel prosthetic meshes, innovative fixation methods, and tailored enhanced recovery protocols have added valuable options to the surgical toolkit, persistent debates remain—particularly regarding the optimal use of mesh, strategies for reinforcing the crura, and the long-term functional and quality-of-life outcomes for patients with large or recurrent hiatal hernias. Current literature, although rich in innovation, often lacks consensus and robust comparative data, underscoring the necessity for critical appraisal and evidence synthesis to better inform contemporary clinical practice.This Research Topic aims to consolidate and critically evaluate emerging developments, techniques, and concepts in abdominal wall and hiatal hernia surgery, drawing on experimental, translational, and real-world clinical research. The overarching goal is to clarify best practices, bridge knowledge gaps, and enable evidence-based, patient-specific decision making. Key questions include how new surgical approaches and materials impact recurrence rates, functional outcomes, pain, and complications; what protocols optimize perioperative management and recovery; and how educational interventions influence surgical proficiency and patient safety. By fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, this Research Topic seeks to generate comprehensive insights that ultimately improve outcomes for patients undergoing hernia repair.To gather further insights in the management, innovation, and education surrounding abdominal wall and hiatal hernia surgery, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Complex abdominal wall reconstruction strategies;o Component separation techniques for challenging hernias;o Minimally invasive and robotic approaches to hernia surgery;o Novel mesh materials, positioning, and fixation methods;o Management of contaminated or hostile surgical fields;o Strategies for recurrence prevention and management of complications;o Long-term patient outcomes, including quality of life assessments;o Hiatal hernia repair approaches, particularly for difficult or recurrent cases;o Enhanced recovery protocols and perioperative pathways;o Data from registries and multicenter collaborations;o Surgical education and training, simulation, and credentialing;o Impact of educational programs on clinical outcomes and care standardization;o Cost-effectiveness and patient-reported outcome measures.We encourage submissions in the form of original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, narrative reviews, technical notes, perspectives, and well-documented clinical series. Both elective and emergency settings are of interest. At the end of the scope, education, training, and the impact of clinical innovation on quality of care are emphasized as central pillars of this Research Topic. Topic editors: Εlissavet Anestiadou, Orestis Ioannidis, Dimitrios Prassas Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79924/innovations-techniques-and-outcomes-in-abdominal-wall-and-hiatal-hernia-surgery