Josep Vidal Sans

Abdominal wall surgery has had and continues to play a fundamental role in surgery in Spain. Numerous surgeons have contributed to its growth in our country and to the magnificent results observed today. Some of these surgeons have left their own mark in the field of abdominal wall surgery in Spain, and Josep Vidal Sans is certainly one of them.

Dr. Vidal Sans carried out his professional career mainly at the Hospital Vall d’Hebron and Clínica Planas in Barcelona, where he was a pioneer in the treatment of abdominal wall pathologies in Spain. His dedication to this field of surgery originated during his training in Germany in the 1960s. Even then, at the start of his career, he demonstrated his tenacity, inquisitive nature and a profound interest in a better understanding of the surgery he was performing. As a result, he described surgical techniques, such as the external oblique fasciomuscular flap or his myoplasty, which is an authentic abdominal wall component separation technique developed a few years ahead of other separation methods that are perhaps currently more well known. In addition, he published books and articles on the subject of the abdominal wall, directed doctoral theses and was a constant and obstinate defender of Abdominal Wall Units. Personally, I met him during my MIR residency training at the Hospital Vall d’Hebron and witnessed his outstanding work and professionalism. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to honor his professional career at a well-deserved tribute during the National Abdominal Wall Congress that we organized in Barcelona in 2013.

Dr. Vidal Sans passed away on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 in Barcelona at the age of 80. With these few short lines, we would like to extend our sincerest sympathy towards his wife, Roser, and children. May his memory as a pioneer in abdominal wall surgery in Spain always live on among Spanish surgeons, particularly those of us who are passionate about this surgical specialty.