Purpose A classification for primary and incisional abdominal wall hernias is needed to allow comparison of publications and future studies on these hernias. It is important to know whether the populations described in different studies are comparable. Methods Several members of the EHS board and some invitees gathered for 2 days to discuss the development of an EHS classification for primary and incisional abdominal wall hernias. Results To distinguish primary and incisional abdominal wall hernias, a separate classification based on localisation and size as the major risk factors was proposed. Further data are needed to define the optimal size variable for classification of incisional hernias in order to distinguish subgroups with differences in outcome. Conclusions A classification for primary abdominal wall hernias and a division into subgroups for incisional Hernia (2009) 13:407-414 DOI 10.1007 abdominal wall hernias, concerning the localisation of the hernia, was formulated.

After reviewing the available classifications for groin hernias, the European Hernia Society (EHS) proposes an easy and simple classification based on the Aachen classification. The EHS will promote the general and systematic use of this classification for intraoperative description of the type of hernia and to increase the comparison of results in the literature.

Fibrin sealant for mesh fixation in Lichtenstein repair of small-medium sized inguinal hernias is well tolerated and reduces the rate of pain/numbness/groin discomfort by 45% relative to sutures without increasing hernia recurrence (NCT00306839).

Hepatic hydatidosis is an endemic disease that affects vast segments of the populations of various countries in the Mediterranean region, South America, the Pacific, and temperate zone nations that possess large numbers of sheep. Four hundred and ten patients bearing 561 hydatid cysts were treated at 2 major hospitals in Madrid, Spain in the period 1974-1989. In order to establish the modifications in diagnostic and therapeutic management introduced as a result of modernization of our clinical facilities and improved technological standards, they were divided into 2 groups: group A corresponded to the period 1974-1984, and group B, corresponded to the period 1985-1989. Since no effective parasiticide agent is available, hepatic hydatidosis must be treated surgically. Today's better knowledge and advancements in liver surgery have made it possible to extirpate the cyst completely with little risk and improved results; hepatic resection should only be considered in exceptional cases; aspiration, drainage procedures, or partial resections of the cyst yield inferior results. We have had no relapse of the hydatid disease in the liver or in any other abdominal site.

Icodextrin 4% solution can be used in a wide range of surgical procedures. In combination with good surgical technique, it may play an important role in adhesion reduction.