This open access book is a comprehensive and cutting-edge resource that provides a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach to the management of complex abdominal wall defects. Offering a structured and practical guide to advanced surgical techniques, patient optimization, and emerging technologies, it is an essential reference for surgeons dealing with challenging cases.

Organized into four sections, the book begins with fundamental principles, covering the pathophysiology of abdominal wall defects, risk stratification, and the role of prehabilitation in optimizing surgical outcomes. It then explores state-of-the-art surgical techniques, including robotic, laparoscopic, and component separation methods, as well as the use of biologic, synthetic, and hybrid meshes. Complex clinical scenarios such as infected mesh, enterocutaneous fistulas, and hernia repair in high-risk patients are addressed in detail. The final section delves into innovative technologies, including regenerative medicine and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), highlighting future directions in the field.

Designed for general and specialized surgeons, surgical trainees, and researchers interested in hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction, this book integrates practical surgical guidance with the latest scientific advancements. As part of the Springer Nature “Updates in Surgery” series, it ensures global accessibility, allowing a broad audience to benefit from the latest developments in complex abdominal wall surgery.

Prof. Diego Cuccurullo is currently Chief of the Unit of Laparoscopic, General, and Robotic Surgery, at the Monaldi Hospital, part of the Highly Specialized Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera dei Colli, in Naples, Italy. He is Past-President of SICE (Italian Society of Endoscopic Surgery and New Technologies), and Past-President of ISHAWS (Italian Society of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery), the Italian Chapter of European Hernia Society. Prof. Cuccurullo is credited with over 120 publications, including articles, book chapters and textbooks. He has delivered over 500 lectures as invited speaker in national and international congresses/symposia, he has organized the first Italian Consensus Conference on the laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Has taught and organized 35 editions of biannual courses on advanced laparoscopic surgery (laparoscopic full immersion surgical week). He is a teacher in the laparoscopic advanced surgery School of Italian Surgery Society, in the section of laparoscopic parietal wall surgery School of Italian Hospital Surgery Association, and in the Abdominal Wall Surgery School of Italian Hernia Society. He is Associate Editor of the Hernia Journal.

Dr. Corrado Rispoli is currently Consultant General Surgeon at the Unit of General, Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery at Monaldi Hospital, in Naples, Italy. His clinical practice focuses on colorectal surgery, abdominal wall surgery, and robotic techniques.
He is a member of several national and international scientific societies, including the Società Italiana di Chirurgia (SIC).
Dr. Rispoli has authored more than 50 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals. He has also edited a volume on robotic abdominal wall surgery and has been invited as speaker, faculty member, and tutor in numerous national and international congresses.