Open retromuscular (sublay) repair and laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) technique are the main procedures for ventral/incisional hernia repair. All types of minimally non-intraperitoneal mesh (MINIM) repair are currently still in the exploration stages, which may have wide development prospects in the future. IPOM and MININ have different repair concepts, technical characteristics and targeted patient populations. Under strict indication control, both procedures can show their respective advantages to the greatest extent. Modern hernia surgery emphasizes “minimal invasion” and “reconstruction of abdominal wall function”. While repairing the defects of abdominal wall and restoring abdominal wall function, surgeons should minimize excessive dissection of abdominal wall. With the development of new materials, the exploration of new technologies and the upgrading of endoscopic platforms, the ventral/incisional hernia repair based on the minimally invasive concept will witness a more promising future.