What’s your name and age?
Sandra Gross (German for big), 48 years old.
Where do you come from?
Bavaria, Germany.
How long have you been an EHS member?
I applied for membership 2023 when I decided to become a FEBS in Abdominal Wall Surgery.
Describe a day at work as a surgeon in your country:
We start with rounds on our wards early in the morning, prior to our daily meeting. As we do a lot of emergency operations we report and discuss what happened during the night. Indications and treatment options are shared with the whole team to provide education for our young surgeons. Education continues also in the OR where we implemented a multicentered Hernia School. We also have a daily meeting with our radiologists, so we all have the same pictures in our minds.
What is your favourite AWR procedure/hernia surgery?
Open Sublay or Totally Extraperitoneal Mesh Repair with IFT (Fasziotens).
Why is it your favourite procedure?
Restoring the integrity of the abdominal wall and recreate functionality is game changing for patients and so much more than “Just a Hernia.”
Who inspired you to become a hernia enthusiast/surgeon?
Anita Jacombs, who really encouraged me in terms of Botox application and Nadia Henriksen with her major impact in research behind hernias. I also pretty well remember when I met Markus Bauer from Munich in the OR and I had to assist a loss of domain hernia first time – I thought it might not be possible – We did it and I learned that with the right team and concept everything is possible.
Please, give a small tip or trick to share for this or any other hernia procedure?
Take your time! If its difficult or time pressure is rising – move slower and raise precision – like a sloth.
Have you attended an EHS congress, meeting, or course?
I love travelling, so international congresses as well as hands-on cadaveric courses are my favourites. The mixture is the key.
Which made the biggest impression on you?
AWRE in Gent. My first! I never experienced more support than within the group of hernia surgeons. We share tips and tricks as well as better notes.
What made it great?
The spirit that spreads into the smallest regions all over the world. It changes the way cooperation in surgery can be thought and lived.
How can the EHS help you in the future?
EHS should continue to provide the platform for interaction and exchange in hernia surgery.
What is your dream for the future of hernia surgery?
That our research leads to more hernia prevention.