IPOM: history of an acronym

Abstract

IPOM has become a common term used by hernia surgeons. It refers to the treatment of a ventral hernia using an intraperitoneal placed mesh and most consider it an acronym for Intra-Peritoneal Onlay Mesh. Since intraperitoneal placement of mesh has fallen out of favor with some hernia surgeons and key-opinion-leaders recently, this might be the correct time to write down and preserve the history of this intriguing acronym.