ABSTRACT Purpose: To develop a reproducible training program model covering the steps of the extended totally extraperitoneal approach (e-tep) technique for correction of ventral or incisional hernia repair. Methods: Training sessions with surgeons in the laboratory using both porcine specimens and a new ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) model simulating the operative steps of the e-tep technique. Students were interviewed and asked to answer a questionnaire pre and post the sessions to assess their performance and evaluated the course and model. Results: A total of 25 trained abdominal wall surgeons was evaluated at the end of the course. It was obtained a 100% satisfaction score of the training, as well as increased confidence levels up to 9 and 10 in all technical aspects of the surgery, having 96% of the surgeons performed a surgery under supervision of the proctors after the course. Conclusions: This training model is simple, effective, low cost, and replicable in guidance on the beginning of e-tep technique adoption, and performance. As a result, surgeons can get more confident and more able to perform surgeries employing this technique.

RESUMO As hérnias inguinais são um problema frequente e o seu reparo representa a cirurgia mais comumente realizada por cirurgiões gerais. Nos últimos anos, novos princípios, produtos e técnicas têm mudado a rotina dos cirurgiões que precisam reciclar conhecimentos e aperfeiçoar novas habilidades. Além disso, antigos conceitos sobre indicação cirúrgica e riscos de complicações vêm sendo reavaliados. Visando criar um guia de orientações sobre o manejo das hérnias inguinais em pacientes adultos, a Sociedade Brasileira de Hérnias reuniu um grupo de experts com objetivo de revisar diversos tópicos, como indicação cirúrgica, manejo perioperatório, técnicas cirúrgicas, complicações e orientações pós-operatórias.

ABSTRACT Inguinal hernias are a frequent problem and their repair is the most commonly performed procedure by general surgeons. In the last years, new principles, products and techniques have changed the routine of surgeons, who need to recycle knowledge and perfect new skills. In addition, old concepts regarding surgical indication and risk of complications have been reevaluated. In order to create a guideline for the management of inguinal hernias in adult patients, the Brazilian Hernia Society assembled a group of experts to review various topics, such as surgical indication, perioperative management, surgical techniques, complications and postoperative guidance.