This manuscript aims to review the current knowledge in the field of surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF), including a brief discussion regarding the standard Maze procedure, its variants, minimally invasive thoracoscopic procedures and hybrid treatments, which briefly summarizes the advantages and differences between each technique. The rationale for the surgical approach of the left atrial appendage, its different techniques and complications will also be briefly covered. To conclude, the current Expert Consensus recommendations will be reviewed and an algorithm for the surgical management of the patient with AF, suggesting which technique applies better to which patient, under specific settings, will also be proposed.