“We are indebted to Professor J. P. Chevrel and his colleagues of the Group for Study and Research of the Abdominal Wall (GREPA) of France for taking the initiative to produce a surgical journal dedicated to the study of hernia. The need for continuing study of this source to mankind is apparent when we remind ourselves that over 800,000 operations for the “cure” of hernia are performed in the world each year.” This was the initial statement of Lloyd M. Nyhus within the first issue of the Journal Hernia in 1997 [1]. Furthermore, Professor J. P. Chevrel stressed that “Numerous problems are still without solutions today: the choice of an international classification acceptable to all, research into better prostheses, better refinement of the indications for traditional surgery from Bassini to Shouldice, and of laparoscopic surgery, indications for the use of prostheses one-fourth” [2]. Meanwhile, more than 400 original research articles and more than 200 other contributions (i.e. case reports, letters) have been published related to the topic of hernia and, nowadays, the journal is titled “The World Journal of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery.” The scientific impact of the articles published has made our journal the leading one for the topic of hernia and its treatment. Due to more than 200 articles submitted each year, the number of issues was increased from four to six in 2005 and will probably have to be increased again in the near future. More than 25 different countries contribute to the journal each year from all over the world. Unfortunately, Lloyd M. Nyhus’ statement within the first issue is as up to date as it was 10 years ago. There is still concern about the “gold standard” technique for inguinal and incisional hernia and the choice of the ideal mesh prostheses. We do not have an international classification which is acceptable to all. There is a need for further randomised controlled trials comparing standardised techniques, including relevant long-term postoperative complications (i.e. chronic pain, effect of mesh techniques on the spermatic cord). Furthermore, there is an upcoming scientific interest in the pathophysiological pathways of the hernia disease and a lot of further work has to be carried out, i.e. identify patients at risk using screening methods or develop bioactive mesh materials for a local modulation of the wound healing processes.

To coincide with the 10th anniversary of “The World Journal of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery,” Springer has supplied a supplemental CD in this issue, which includes the published articles from 1997 to 2001. The Editorial Board and the International Advisory Board, as well as the numerous uncounted reviewers all over the world should be honoured with deep appreciation and thanks for their contribution and valuable support. Through their expert advice and reviews, the journal has been guided to a remarkable position.

A lot of work has been done so far, but “The World Journal of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery” will keep moving. There is more to come within the next 10 years.