By Dr. Nadav Nevo | Last updated: May 2026 | Read: 6 minutes

Hernia repair is a common procedure. Most general surgeons perform it. So why does choosing the right surgeon matter? Because the difference between a standard hernia repair and one done correctly — with the right technique, the right mesh, in the right anatomical plane — is the difference between a result that lasts and a hernia that recurs.

A Surgeon Who Does Nothing Else

The most important criterion: a surgeon who dedicates all of their clinical activity exclusively to abdominal wall surgery — hernias, diastasis recti, and abdominal wall reconstruction.

Not a general surgeon who also does hernias between other procedures. A surgeon for whom this is everything — day after day, case after case.

That exclusivity changes everything. A dedicated abdominal wall surgeon knows every technique, every innovation, every type of mesh, every possible complication. They don't need to recall the steps — they live them. They see cases every week that a general surgeon might encounter once a year.

Mastery of All Approaches — Laparoscopic, Robotic, Open

Open hernia repair is the classic approach, and every surgeon knows it. But laparoscopic and robotic surgery demand an entirely different skill set — operating through tiny incisions, internal suturing, precise anatomical navigation.

A dedicated abdominal wall surgeon commands all approaches. They choose the optimal technique for each case — not because it's the only one they know, but because they know them all and understand when each one is appropriate.

Academic Activity — A Surgeon Who Stays Sharp

Abdominal wall surgery evolves constantly. New techniques, updated guidelines, studies that change how certain cases are managed.

A surgeon who is academically active — publishing research, attending conferences, reading and contributing to the literature — stays at the cutting edge. They don't operate based on what they learned a decade ago. They operate based on what is known today.

Academic activity also maintains sharpness. Surgeons who write about a technique think about it more deeply. Those who present cases at conferences analyze their own outcomes critically. This is a surgeon who doesn't rest on past results.

A Large Public Hospital With High Case Volumes

A good hernia surgeon operates at a large public hospital — not only at a private center. Why?

Large public hospitals concentrate high volumes of cases. Simple and complex, primary and recurrent, elective and emergency. A surgeon in that environment sees the full range and learns to handle every possible scenario.

There is a vast difference between a surgeon who performs 30 hernia repairs a year in a private setting and one who performs hundreds annually at a public hospital that draws complex referrals from across the country.

The Question You Must Ask: Where Do You Place the Mesh?

This is the question that separates a surgeon with deep knowledge of the field from one who operates on autopilot.

Most hernia repairs use a mesh to reinforce the abdominal wall. The critical question is where that mesh is placed.

Two main approaches:

Intraperitoneal (inside the abdominal cavity) — the mesh sits directly on the bowel, on the inner side. This is technically simpler, which is why it's common among general surgeons. The downside: the mesh is in direct contact with the intestine, which can cause adhesions. In some cases, it can also be felt through the abdominal wall.

Retromuscular (behind the muscle) — the mesh is placed in a layer behind the abdominal muscle, separated from the bowel. This is the optimal position: no intestinal contact, the mesh isn't palpable, and it's supported by the muscle itself. Recurrence rates with this approach are lower.

A surgeon dedicated to this field aims for retromuscular mesh placement across all approaches — open, laparoscopic, and robotic — and even in extreme cases. This isn't just an aspiration. It's a capability built from thousands of operations and an anatomical understanding that deepens with every case.

Other Questions Worth Asking During Your Consultation

• How many hernia repairs do you perform per year?
• Do you also operate on complex and recurrent cases?
• Which approach are you planning for my case — and why?
• What type of mesh do you use, and in which position?
• What is your recurrence rate?
• Are you academically active in this field?

Summary: What to Look For

A dedicated surgeon who lives the field. Commands all surgical approaches and chooses among them based on the case. Academically active and current with every development. Operates at a large public hospital with significant volumes. And strives — always — to place the mesh in the optimal position, even when that requires more effort and more skill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Choosing a surgeon should be based on a personal consultation. Dr. Nadav Nevo specializes in abdominal wall surgery in Israel. For more information, visit our About page.