Abdominal Wall Hernias

Abstract

Books dedicated to abdominal wall hernias are vanishingly few and of great interest to general surgeon. “He that will not apply new remedies must expect new evils; for time is the great innovator” – Sir Francis Bacon 1625. The ‘new remedies’ in hernia amount to a paradigm shift from the old regime and this book by a renowned herniologist like Bendavid epitomizes this sea change in the management of hernia in the new millennium. Illustrated by 738 figures including 48 in colour it is a visual treat. As many as 10 chapters discuss the pathology of hernia including a brilliant exposition on the metabolic aspects of hernia which is a pioneering concept. Almost universal use of synthetic mesh in hernia surgery has necessitated inclusion of 17 chapters on biomaterials. Other interesting and useful bits of information are to be found in the chapters on paediatric and geriatric hernia, emergencies, female hernia and medico-legal aspects. The technical aspects of all common procedures including laparoscopic surgery are of course extensively covered. Authors from both sides of the Atlantic have been given an even role in the elucidation of the hernia diathesis. All in all, it is a wonderfully fresh product that will serve as a point of reference for years to come.