What’s your name?
Alya Bellemin
How old are you?
39 years old.
Where do you come from?
France.
How long have you been an EHS member?
5 years.
Describe a day at work as a surgeon in your country:
My days are a combination of outpatient clinics, robotic – laparoscopic and open surgery, multidisciplinary meetings, teaching residents, and clinical research. I mainly focus on complex abdominal wall and bariatric surgery in a tertiary referral center.
What is your favourite AWR procedure/hernia surgery?
Robotic ventral and incisional hernia repair, especially retromuscular repairs (eTEP/TAR when indicated)
Why is it your favourite procedure?
It combines precise anatomy, reconstruction of the abdominal wall, minimally invasive surgery, and excellent functional outcomes for patients.
Who inspired you to become a hernia enthusiast/surgeon?
My mentors and the opportunity to work with experts in abdominal wall surgery, especially through the EHS community, inspired me to pursue this field.
Please, give a small tip or trick to share for this or any other hernia procedure?
Take time for meticulous dissection and respect tissue planes. Good anatomical exposure is the key to a durable repair.
Have you attended an EHS congress, meeting, or course?
Yes, several EHS congresses and meetings.
Which made the biggest impression on you?
The EHS Annual Congress in Paris.
What made it great?
The high scientific level, practical discussions, networking opportunities, and the collaborative atmosphere between surgeons from different countries.
How can the EHS help you in the future?
By supporting international collaboration, research projects, education, and advanced training in robotic abdominal wall surgery.
What is your dream for the future of hernia surgery?
To contribute to improving patient care through innovation, research, education, and to become an internationally recognized expert in robotic abdominal wall reconstruction.