The EHS has developed a structured educational pathway in abdominal wall surgery, guiding surgeons from novice to expert through a series of online and cadaveric courses.
Expansion plans include a robotic surgery course and collaboration with national chapters to scale access and impact.
The EHS launched a structured pathway in 2021 to guide surgeons from novice to expert in abdominal wall surgery. Developed by EHS experts and supported by industry, it combines online learning with hands-on cadaveric training.
The pathway starts with a basic online course, followed by intermediate and advanced cadaveric courses in open, laparoscopic, and complex hernia techniques. Entry to advanced levels requires surgical experience, and a logbook of basic hernia procedures.
Courses include pre-course materials, tests, and expert-led dissection over two days. In 2025, the pathway expanded to include robotic courses, developed in collaboration with the robotic industry but with EHS retaining control of curriculum and content.  Â
To support long-term learning, EHS introduced AlfredSurgery, a digital platform offering detailed procedural guidance, checklists, assessments, and video-coaching.
By scaling training with national societies and promoting data-driven quality improvement, EHS aims to standardise AWS education and improve patient outcomes.
MIS Laparoscopic Hernia Course, October 2026.
Robotic Hernia Course, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 24-25 November 2026.
We currently don’t have any upcoming Basic courses.
We currently don’t have any upcoming Intermediate courses.
MIS Laparoscopic Hernia Course, October 2026.
Robotic Hernia Course, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 24-25 November 2026.
As the first step in the structured EHS Educational Pathway, this course lays the foundation for surgeons pursuing hernia specialisation.
The course represents the minimal essential requirements for any general surgeon to achieve by the end of residency training, regardless of their chosen subspecialty. It provides the critical skills and knowledge every general surgeon must possess.Â
The EHS Basic Course is designed specifically for early-career surgical residents (years 1–3) or surgeons with limited experience in hernia repair. It also caters to those who consider themselves beginners, regardless of their residency year or prior surgical training.
“This course taught me multiple of the techniques I wasn’t very comfortable with.” – Participant, Basic Course.
“As a surgical trainee working in the UK, I’ve found that gaining enough experience in abdominal wall surgery (AWS) can be quite challenging. This course helped me gain some of that experience.” – Participant, Basic Course.
The EHS Intermediate Course is designed to equip general surgeons with the essential techniques required to provide safe and efficient care for hernia patients. This two-day course focuses on practical hands-on training.
The course provides instruction on abdominal wall surgery techniques using cadavers, including Shouldice, Lichtenstein, TEP/TAPP, preperitoneal umbilical prosthesis repair, abdominal closure, Rives Stoppa, and abdominal wall anatomy.
The EHS Intermediate Course is designed for surgical residents and general surgeons with basic experience in hernia repair who aim to enhance their skills in intermediate techniques. Ideal participants include those who:Â
“This has been the best hands-on course I have ever been to – great precourse materials, amazing faculty-participants ratio, maximum of time spent in a practical way. The faculty was very knowledgeable and helpful, focused all the time on us participants to provide feedback and answer questions. This really helped to get the maximum out of the course and was worth the price.” – Participant, Intermediate Anatomical Cadaver Course.
“I found the course extremely relevant. I was able to cement anatomical concepts that were very abstract before. Also, learning practical tips and tricks from the experts is priceless.” – Participant, Intermediate Cadaver Course.
“I can say for sure that it was the best course in my life. I liked everything about it, starting with the training platform before the course, the small number of students, the fact that we all received enough attention, the willingness of the trainers to always help, the fact that we worked in pairs near the cadaver and had enough time to do the dissection on our own.” – Participant, Intermediate Anatomical Cadaver Course.
“Thanks to the course I will make better TAPP and lichtenstein and I am better prepared to start Rives-Stoppa and maybe Shouldice procedures.” – Participant, Intermediate Cadaver Course.
“I think I’ve gained a new technique for hernia treatment in selected patients (shouldice).” – Participant, Intermediate Cadaver Course.
“After this course, IÂ will be more confident when teaching inguinal hernias open and laparoscopic to residents.” – Participant, Intermediate Cadaver Course.
The EHS Advanced Courses aim to provide expert training in complex hernia repair using open, minimally invasive, and robotic techniques. Through hands-on cadaveric dissection and structured teaching, participants will strengthen their anatomical knowledge and surgical skills in managing challenging cases such as giant, subcostal, parastomal, and flank hernias.
These advanced courses focus on technical precision, safe practice, and optimal outcomes, ensuring surgeons are fully equipped to perform high-quality procedures across all modern hernia surgery approaches.
The EHS Advanced Cadaveric Courses are intended for senior trainees and consultants with substantial experience in hernia surgery who wish to advance their skills in complex open, minimally invasive, and robotic techniques. These courses are ideal for surgeons committed to deepening their expertise and mastering challenging procedures under expert guidance.
“Thank you for this great course, useful information both practical and theoretical by experienced trainers. Really appreciating your great efforts. “ – Participant, MIS Advanced Cadaver Course.
“The course was extremely useful in decision making regarding parastomal hernia management.” – Participant, Parastomal Hernia Course.
“At my practice, we do TEP (many), TAPP (few), eTEP with or without TAR, and I got to study and practice these procedures, with awesome mentores, and a very good team mate. I made new contacts to discuss future patients/cases with, and got to dicuss many of the problematic steps of eTEP and TAR en TAPP, that I encounter in my practice.” – Participant, MIS Advanced Cadaver Course.
“It was an excellent course. I found particularly helpful the discussions with other members and the faculty.” – Participant, Hiatal Hernia Course.
“I really appreciate how you actively trained us. It helps me feel heard and makes the discussions more productive.” – Participant, MIS Advanced Cadaver Course.
“I found the course to be most invaluable for my training. I can’t thank the EHS and world-renowned faculty enough for such a great course.” – Participant, Advanced Open Cadaver Course.
“Day 1 of this incredible course was full of learning even at my very early stage of MIS hernia surgery. Good balance of didactic sessions with hands on.” – Participant, MIS Advanced Cadaver Course.
The UEMS-AWS examination is for surgeons who have finished their training, and have been exposed to specialist abdominal wall practice. Examinations are usually arranged in connection with the annual EHS Congress.
Find more information HERE.
Accreditation of EHS courses ensures that they meet recognised CME standards, enhancing their credibility. By validating the quality and consistency of training, accreditation aligns courses with professional development requirements, demonstrating a commitment to high-quality, evidence-based education.
The EHS Education Pathway is continuously evolving to meet the real needs of our members. We invite you to share ideas for future courses, workshops or learning formats that would support your professional development and improve surgical practice.
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