AME Surgical Journal: Outstanding Author 2026 Recognition for Contributions to Preperitoneal Hernia Surgery
- docteurmarcsoler
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
Dr. Marc Soler, an abdominal wall surgeon with a special focus on inguinal hernia repair, has been selected as one of the AME Surgical Journal's Outstanding Authors 2026 in recognition of his contributions to open preperitoneal hernia surgery (MOPP, TIPP, TREPP, and Ugahary) and his efforts to promote the legacy of Professor René Stoppa.
I was honored and delighted to be selected among the AME Surgical Journal's "Outstanding Authors 2026."
This recognition highlights the work I have been pursuing for many years in abdominal wall surgery, particularly regarding open preperitoneal techniques for inguinal hernia repair.
The interview published by AME Surgical Journal can be accessed here:
Beyond the recognition itself, the interview provided an opportunity to reflect on my professional journey, my views on clinical research, and some of the principles that guide both my surgical and academic activities.
The Legacy of Professor René Stoppa
An important part of my professional career has been shaped by Professor René Stoppa, whom I had the privilege of training under.
His teachings continue to influence my approach to inguinal hernia surgery and my interest in the preperitoneal space.
Over the decades, hernia repair techniques have naturally evolved. The Lichtenstein repair became widely adopted worldwide. Endoscopic approaches now play a major role in international guidelines. More recently, robotic surgery has expanded the range of available treatment options.
Nevertheless, open preperitoneal techniques have never completely disappeared. They continue to be performed in many centers around the world and may still offer valuable advantages in selected clinical situations.
Why Continue Exploring Open Preperitoneal Techniques?
Over the past several years, together with French and international collaborators, I have worked to better define the role of open preperitoneal techniques (OPPs), including MOPP, TIPP, and TREPP approaches.
The goal is not to promote one technique at the expense of another.
Modern inguinal hernia surgery offers several effective options, including Lichtenstein repair, endoscopic surgery, robotic surgery, and open preperitoneal techniques.
The key question is probably not which technique is universally superior, but rather in which circumstances each technique can provide the greatest benefit for a particular patient.
I believe this individualized approach is especially important for elderly, frail, or medically complex patients.
Why Continue Writing and Publishing?
One of the questions raised during the interview concerned academic writing.
Like many surgeons, I find that dedicating time to research and manuscript preparation can be challenging amidst the demands of daily clinical practice.
Yet publishing remains essential.
Scientific writing forces us to organize our thinking, compare our experience with the available evidence, and continuously challenge our assumptions.
It also allows us to share clinical experience with an international community and contribute, however modestly, to the advancement of knowledge and patient care.
Beyond the publications themselves, the discussions they generate are often the most rewarding aspect of the process.
A Collective Journey
This recognition also provides an opportunity to thank the many colleagues, collaborators, co-authors, and friends with whom I have had the privilege of working throughout the years.
I am particularly grateful to the French abdominal wall surgery community, as well as to the many colleagues I have met through international congresses, especially within the Asia-Pacific region and South Korea, where I have enjoyed longstanding scientific and personal relationships.
Surgical progress is built upon shared experience, open discussion, and intellectual curiosity. Every publication, every conversation, and every collaboration contributes to that progress.
Continuing to Question Our Practices
Inguinal hernia repair remains one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide. Yet despite its apparent standardization, significant variations in practice continue to exist and evolve.
Understanding why surgeons make specific technical choices, analyzing outcomes, and comparing experiences remain fascinating challenges.
This same spirit underlies the work we are currently pursuing, including our ongoing study of surgeons' practice patterns in inguinal hernia surgery using data from the Club Hernie database.
More than ever, I remain convinced that progress emerges from the combination of clinical experience, scientific analysis, and the sharing of knowledge.
I would like to sincerely thank AME Surgical Journal for this recognition, as well as all the colleagues, collaborators, and friends who have contributed, directly or indirectly, to these ongoing efforts in abdominal wall and inguinal hernia surgery research.
The full interview is available on the AME Surgical Journal website:
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