One cut vs three: could a single incision make hernia surgery less painful?
NCT ID NCT04303182
First seen Jul 17, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026
Summary
This trial compares two laparoscopic techniques for repairing inguinal hernia: a newer single-incision method (LESS TEP) versus the standard three-port approach. Researchers will measure postoperative pain, operative time, and safety in 200 adults aged 18 to 90 with primary or recurrent hernia. The goal is to see if the single-incision technique reduces pain and improves recovery without increasing complications.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- laparoendoscopic single-site total extraperitoneal (LESS TEP) hernia repair
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that single-incision hernia repair causes less pain and faster recovery than the standard three-port method.
- What could go wrong
- This is a moderate-sized trial, and single-incision surgery may be more technically challenging, potentially increasing operative time or complication risk.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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200 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2020
- Finished
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Jul 2024
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 90 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 90 years * Willing to participate in this study and signed an informed consent. * Diagnosed inguinal hernia - primary or recurrence * ASA class I, II and III Exclusion Criteria: * Age under 18 years and above 90 years * Strangulated hernia * Patients with severe chronic diseases or cardiopulmonary dysfunction, who can't undergo general anesthesia * Patients who prefer a certain surgical approach * Patients who undergo surgery procedures for chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Sofiamed Hospital
Sofia, Bulgaria
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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