The abdominal wall incisional hernia is an iatrogenic condition and its clinical treatment is complicated, in which, many respects are involved, such as etiology, pathophysiology, classification, typing, and surgical methods. The compilation of “Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of abdominal wall incisional hernia (2018 edition)” was completed on the basis of “Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of abdominal wall incisional hernia (2014 edition)” by the joint discussion and amendments of more than 50 experts and scholars in China, according to the clinical practice in our country in the recent 4 years. In the current edition, the definition, etiology, pathophysiology, classification, typing, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment and other related aspects are systematically updated, and the viewpoints, measures and methods supported by evidence-based medicine are pointed out. The relevant medical institutions and professionals in China are requested to use this document as a reference in clinical practice.