Hernia Societies—A Blessing or a Curse? Who Is Running Them? Ethical Surgeons or the Industry

Abstract

The intended purpose of hernia societies is being lost. Originally, they were meant to be a venue for the dissemination of basic science, knowledge and sharing of acquired research, experiences by surgeons with the ultimate aim of improving a patient’s lot. Instead, they have become venues and brokerage houses where the plastics industry may advertise and sell products which have barely been tested or about which the truth was never entirely revealed. An FDA approval, sadly, is not assurance that all is well. We are discovering these facts through the courts and the lay press. We, as surgeons, are not told the whole truth to impart to patients who expect nothing less! Have any of us been complicit, knowingly or not?