The European Hernia Society (EHS) has published guidelines for the treatment of inguinal hernias in adult patients, developed by a working group of expert surgeons from 14 member countries. The guidelines cover diagnosis, treatment, postoperative care, and complications, with a focus on evidence-based recommendations. Key points include: - **Indications for Treatment**: Conservative management is recommended for asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic hernias. Emergency surgery is advised for strangulated hernias. - **Treatment Techniques**: Mesh repair is preferred over non-mesh techniques, with endoscopic repair being particularly effective for quick recovery and reduced complications. - **Anaesthesia**: Local anaesthesia is recommended for most open inguinal hernia surgeries, while spinal anaesthesia should be avoided due to increased risk of urinary retention. - **Postoperative Care**: Patients are advised to resume activities gradually, with a focus on avoiding heavy lifting. - **Complications**: Prophylactic measures are recommended to prevent hematoma and seroma, and specific guidelines are provided for managing chronic pain and other complications. - **Costs**: Open mesh procedures are cost-effective for primary unilateral hernias, while endoscopic procedures are more cost-effective for active working populations, especially for bilateral hernias. The guidelines aim to improve medical quality, reduce variation in practice, and enhance transparency in surgical care. They are intended for surgeons and trainees, with some chapters also providing information for general practitioners. The EHS plans to update the guidelines regularly and establish a training program to ensure their implementation.The European Hernia Society (EHS) has published guidelines for the treatment of inguinal hernias in adult patients, developed by a working group of expert surgeons from 14 member countries. The guidelines cover diagnosis, treatment, postoperative care, and complications, with a focus on evidence-based recommendations. Key points include: - **Indications for Treatment**: Conservative management is recommended for asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic hernias. Emergency surgery is advised for strangulated hernias. - **Treatment Techniques**: Mesh repair is preferred over non-mesh techniques, with endoscopic repair being particularly effective for quick recovery and reduced complications. - **Anaesthesia**: Local anaesthesia is recommended for most open inguinal hernia surgeries, while spinal anaesthesia should be avoided due to increased risk of urinary retention. - **Postoperative Care**: Patients are advised to resume activities gradually, with a focus on avoiding heavy lifting. - **Complications**: Prophylactic measures are recommended to prevent hematoma and seroma, and specific guidelines are provided for managing chronic pain and other complications. - **Costs**: Open mesh procedures are cost-effective for primary unilateral hernias, while endoscopic procedures are more cost-effective for active working populations, especially for bilateral hernias. The guidelines aim to improve medical quality, reduce variation in practice, and enhance transparency in surgical care. They are intended for surgeons and trainees, with some chapters also providing information for general practitioners. The EHS plans to update the guidelines regularly and establish a training program to ensure their implementation.