Present situation and prospect of the rapid development of hernia and abdominal wall surgery for 20 years in China

Hernia is ancient and common. With the emerging of new concepts, techniques, materials and equipments, treatment methods of hernia have undergone ever changing changes in the 21st century. Hernia and abdominal wall surgery in China has been developing fast in the past 20 years,and has achieved remarkable progress. However, some problems still exist, such as unbalanced regional development, concept misunderstanding, classification confusions, less standardized tech nology,poor follow up method, lack of innovation, and so on. Therefore, it′s crucial to recognize the shortcomings of the current stagey, discuss the existing problems, sum up experiences and lessons, and clarify the direction of improvement, in order to provide a solid foundation for the sustainable development of hernia and abdominal surgery for our country.