What’s your name and age?
Luca Gordini, 40 years.
Where do you come from?
Italy.
How long have you been an EHS member?
My first subscription was in 2014 through my National Chapter.
Describe a day at work as a surgeon in your country:
The day starts with a short briefing to plan day’s activities then a ward round before going to the operating room. Outpatient clinic is usually during the afternoon.
Scheduled meetings to discuss about projects and collaborations.
What is your favourite AWR procedure/hernia surgery and why?
Rives-Stoppa retromuscular repair. For its historical value because it represents the starting point where it all began, the cornerstone of the modern hernia and abdominal wall surgery. Its natural continuation (TAR) has allowed us to treat increasingly complex hernia patients effectively and to gain a deeper understanding of the anatomy and dynamics of the abdominal wall.
What inspired you to become a hernia enthusiast/surgeon?
There are several Hernia Heroes who have played a key role in my journey for passing on the passion for hernia and abdominal wall surgery, the privilege of serving in LMICs, the sense of community that brings us together.
I’d like to extend my gratitude to Pier Luigi Ipponi (Past President of the Italian Society of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery), Chris Oppong (Chairman of Operation Hernia), Brian Jacob (Founder of International Hernia Collaboration), and all Hernia Friends for their invaluable contributions to my path.
Please, give a small tip or trick to share for this or any other hernia procedure?
As Andrew de Beaux said: “The best time to treat a hernia is the first time”.
Don’t settle for anything less than the best results, and don’t underestimate what could become a disaster later.
Have you attended an EHS congress, meeting, or course?
Not yet but looking forward to it..
How can the EHS help you in the future?
EHS is already doing this by promoting hernia culture and training hernia surgeons.
What is your dream for the future of hernia surgery?
If we’re talking about dreams:
– seeing every surgeon closing the midline abdominal wall incision with small bites technique (this is a small step)!
– having hernia sufferers have equal access to safe and timely surgical care especially in LMICs (this is a huge step)!
