NCT07461558 Watchful Waiting Versus Immediate Repair for Occult Contralateral Inguinal Hernias.
| NCT ID | NCT07461558 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University |
| Condition | Inguinal Hernia Bilateral |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 380 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-04-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2028-04 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 380 participants in total. It began in 2026-04-01 with a primary completion date of 2028-04.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
This study will compare two ways of managing a small, hidden hernia that can sometimes be found during minimally invasive surgery to repair a hernia on one side of the groin. Occasionally while fixing the known hernia, the surgeon discovers a small hernia on the other side that has not caused any symptoms. Surgeons do not agree on the best way to handle these hernias. Some believe it should be repaired right away during the same operation to prevent it from getting bigger or from causing symptoms later, which could require another surgery. Others believe it is better to leave it alone since it is not causing problems and groin hernia surgery carries risks including long-term pain. This study will randomly assign patients, if a hidden hernia is found during surgery, to either having it repaired immediately or to have it monitored over time. Patients will be followed up at 30 days, 1 year and 2 years following surgery. The researchers will compare recovery and quality of life between the two groups. For those in the monitoring group, the study will also track whether the hidden hernia causes symptoms or eventually needs surgery. The goal is to determine whether repairing the hidden hernia right away is as safe and effective as watching and waiting, so doctors and patients can make more informed decisions in the future.
Eligibility Criteria
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
Contact & Investigator
Nancy Ly, MD
STUDY DIRECTOR
Northwestern University
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07461558 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Inguinal Hernia Bilateral. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07461558 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07461558 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at megan.mellandsmith@nm.org for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07461558 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Chicago, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07461558 clinical trial?
NCT07461558 is sponsored by Northwestern University. The principal investigator is Nancy Ly, MD at Northwestern University. The trial plans to enroll 380 participants.