Hernia dilemma: to fix or not to fix hidden groin hernias?
NCT ID NCT07461558
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at what to do when a surgeon finds a small, hidden hernia on the opposite side during groin hernia repair. Some doctors fix it immediately, others prefer to watch and wait. The trial will randomly assign 380 adults to either immediate repair or monitoring, tracking recovery and quality of life for two years. The goal is to see which approach is safer and more effective.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- surgery (immediate repair of occult hernia) vs. watchful waiting
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could help doctors and patients decide whether to repair a hidden hernia right away or leave it alone, reducing unnecessary surgeries and complications.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small, early-stage trial (380 participants) comparing two standard approaches, so results may not apply to all patients. The watchful waiting group may still need surgery later.
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
-
About 380 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Apr 2026
- Expected to finish
-
Apr 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
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
-
18 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
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: * Male or female patients ≥18 years old * Symptomatic unilateral inguinal hernia * Occult contralateral hernia identified intraoperatively * Ability to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Prior contralateral inguinal hernia repair * Symptomatic, bilateral inguinal hernias confirmed on physical exam * Contraindications to general anesthesia or surgery * Urgent or emergent presentations * Adults unable to consent * Pregnant patients
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Inguinal hernia bilateral are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
RECRUITINGChicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Three ways to block hernia surgery pain go head to head
- Staples or stitches? new study aims to find best way to fix hernia mesh
- Hernia surgery fatigue? lidocaine may help you recover faster
- Skip the tacks? study tests Pain-Free hernia repair
- Could hormone drugs replace hernia surgery?
- Nerve block after hernia surgery may speed recovery