Treatment of Occult Inguinal Hernias (NCT04815707)
Surgical Repair Versus Expectant Management of Occult Inguinal Hernias: Strengthening the Evidence Base and Developing a Decision Tool
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
Inguinal hernias are a common surgical problem. Best management of occult inguinal hernias, defined as hernias unable to be felt on physical exam, is unknown. From prior studies we know that most inguinal hernias will eventually become symptomatic and require surgery (70%). However, doing a repair on a very small, occult hernia may open the patient up to surgical complications, like chronic pain, earlier than necessary. This will be a multi-center randomized controlled trial of surgical repair versus expectant management of occult inguinal hernias. Patients undergoing laparoscopic unilateral inguinal hernia repair will be included. At the time of surgery, the surgeon will determine if there is an occult hernia contralateral side. If present, patients will be randomized to repair of the occult side or expectant management of the occult side. After 1 year post-operative data has been assessed, a decision tool will be created and administered to patients to aid in their decision making about treatments for their hernia.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital — Houston, Texas
Age range: 18 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- Occcult hernia repair (PROCEDURE)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (2 Sites)
- Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital — Houston, Texas
- Memorial Hermann Hospital-MIST Clinics — Houston, Texas
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Inguinal Hernia
- Medtronic Hugo™ Robotic Assisted Surgery (RAS) System in Hernia Surgery (Enable Hernia Repair) — Tampa, Florida
- Post-operative Pain Control-TAP Block Using Exparel vs. Marcaine for Hernia Repairs — Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- A Pilot Study of Local Anesthesia for Inguinal Hernia Surgery in Older Adults — Dallas, Texas
- Perioperative Rehab for Inguinal Hernia Repair — Edmonton, Alberta
- Activity Restrictions After Inguinal Hernia Repair — Aurora, Colorado
Explore by condition: All Inguinal Hernia clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Review the official NIH record below to find the coordinating site.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.