Langenbeck's legacy to the specialty of Abdominal Wall and Hernias: Father, Conrad Johan Martin L. and Son, Maximilian Adolf L.

BACKGROUND: The history of inguinal hernia surgery has gone through many stages of development, but none as intense as the radical cure stage. Of the founding fathers of the specialty, history has left out Conrad Johan Martin Langenbeck and forgotten his son, Maximilian Adolf. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the importance of the Langenbecks, Father and Son, in relation to the specialty of Abdominal Wall and Hernias. RESULTS: The contributions of the Langenbecks, father and son, to the anatomical and surgical science of hernias were remarkable and groundbreaking, especially in the challenging pre-antiseptic era. Their studies and experiences were fundamental to understanding current surgical practices for hernia repair. The research presented in this article demonstrates the individual legacy of the Langenbecks in both the anatomy and surgery of inguinal hernias. CONCLUSIONS: The Langenbecks championed the role of the university-trained anatomical surgeon as essential for operating on hernias with low morbidity; they were pioneers in adapting personalized treatment and laid the groundwork for understanding the posterior approach and plug hernioplasty. History should recognize them as the founding fathers of the specialty.