The Advanced MIS Approaches in Inguinal and Ventral Hernia course at IRCAD India, which took place from 23 to 25 April 2026, delivered an educational experience that included three days of dedicated study, productive interaction, and precise learning methods.

As Course Director alongside Prof. Flavio Malcher and Dr. Sarfaraz J Baig, and under the guidance of Course Patron Dr. Pradeep Chowbey, it was inspiring to see such enthusiasm, interaction, and commitment to learning.

Day 1 focused on inguinal hernia fundamentals, including anatomy, classification, and evidence-based MIS repairs. Live and pseudo-live demonstrations of TAPP and TEP, along with discussions on challenges and complications, provided strong practical insights and a solid foundation for advanced surgical learning.

Day 2 focused on ventral hernias, covering techniques like IPOM, TAPP, eTEP, and TARUP, along with mesh selection and fixation strategies. Sessions on diastasis recti and atypical defects added depth, while hands-on animal lab training translated concepts into practical surgical skills and real-time understanding.

Day 3 focused on complex hernia and abdominal wall reconstruction, including myofascial releases, TAR, and management of challenging cases like fistulas and loss of domain. The concluding sessions on future trends provided a forward-looking perspective on innovation, evolving techniques, and the future direction of hernia surgery.

What made this course truly special was the exchange of ideas, practical learning, and the shared goal of advancing minimally invasive hernia surgery for better patient outcomes.