Every year, millions of patients undergo surgery through Lower Abdominal Transverse Incisions (LATI), from caesarean sections to major pelvic procedures. Yet the complications that follow these incisions—particularly hernias—remain largely invisible in surgical literature. Lower Abdominal Transverse Interparietal Hernias (LATIH) may affect thousands of individuals annually, often young women, and may contribute to persistent pelvic discomfort that goes unexplained or untreated. Despite this, research has focused almost entirely on midline incisions, overlooking the distinct anatomy and varied techniques approaches. These differences may shape hernia risk, location, and symptoms, but have never been systematically explored. This special edition introduces the LATIH concept to bring clarity, consistency, and much needed attention to a neglected clinical problem. By naming and defining these hernias, we open the door to better recognition, improved reporting, and future advances in prevention and management.

The goal of this special edition is to advance the recognition, understanding, and management of Lower Abdominal Transverse Interparietal Hernias (LATIH), an underrecognized complication of lower abdominal transverse incisions. By bringing together multidisciplinary contributions from surgeons, radiologists, anatomists, and researchers, this edition aims to clarify the epidemiology, anatomical basis, and biomechanical mechanisms underlying LATIH formation. A key objective is to improve diagnostic accuracy by highlighting clinical presentation patterns, increasing awareness of subtle or atypical symptoms, and promoting the appropriate use of imaging modalities, including dynamic techniques.

This edition also seeks to evaluate current operative and reconstructive strategies, identify best practices for repair, and explore preventive measures related to surgical technique, fascial handling, and closure methods. Particular attention will be given to the impact of LATIH on patient quality of life, including its potential role in chronic pelvic pain, especially among women following caesarean section.

Ultimately, this special edition aims to promote standardized nomenclature, classification, and reporting frameworks, foster international collaboration, and establish priorities for future research. By improving awareness, diagnosis, and treatment, it seeks to enhance patient outcomes and inform safer surgical practice worldwide.

We invite submissions addressing Lower Abdominal Transverse Interparietal Hernias (LATIH), including but not limited to:
• Epidemiology and incidence of Lower Abdominal Transverse Interparietal Hernias (LATIH) following transverse incisions such as Pfannenstiel, Maylard, and Cherney.
• Anatomical, biomechanical, and technical factors contributing to interparietal hernia formation, including fascial handling, muscle division, and closure techniques.
• Comparative analyses between hernias arising from lower abdominal transverse incisions and those following midline or paramedian approaches.
• Clinical presentation, symptom patterns, and diagnostic pitfalls contributing to underrecognition.
• Imaging characteristics and the diagnostic role of ultrasound, CT, MRI, and dynamic imaging.
• Case series, registries, and classification systems to refine diagnostic criteria and improve standardization.
• Operative management, including open, laparoscopic, and robotic repair techniques.
• Reconstruction strategies tailored to the anatomical planes of lower abdominal transverse incisions.
• Short- and long-term outcomes, recurrence rates, and impact on patient quality of life.
• Preventive strategies, including mesh reinforcement, optimized closure methods, and perioperative considerations.
• The contribution of LATIH to chronic pelvic pain and functional symptoms, particularly after caesarean section.
• Training, education, and awareness initiatives to improve recognition, diagnosis, and reporting.
• Health system burden, global relevance, and disparities in access to diagnosis and care.
• Proposals for standardized nomenclature, reporting frameworks, and collaborative research agendas.

Authors

Journal of Abdominal Wall Surgery