Watchful Waiting Versus Immediate Repair for Occult Contralateral Inguinal Hernias

This study is comparing two ways to manage a small, hidden hernia (occult contralateral inguinal hernia) that might be found during surgery to fix a known hernia on one side of your groin. You would be eligible if you are 18 or older, have a symptomatic hernia on one side, and a hidden hernia is found on the other side during your surgery. The study is comparing immediate repair of the hidden hernia (TAPP repair with mesh) versus watchful waiting (leaving it alone). Researchers want to see if immediate repair is just as good as watchful waiting for your quality of life 30 days after surgery. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design
This is a multi-center randomized controlled trial with 380 planned participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups during surgery.
What's involved
You would undergo standard TAPP inguinal hernia repair for your symptomatic hernia. Depending on your assigned group, your occult hernia would either be repaired immediately or left alone.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed up at 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery.

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NCT07461558

Watchful Waiting Versus Immediate Repair for Occult Contralateral Inguinal Hernias.

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
Northwestern University
~380 participants
Updated 2026-06-26 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:surgery (any volume) and / or pharmaceuticals treatment initiated or planned or only dynamic observation, in accordance with current clinical guidelinesWatchful waiting with supportive care

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
30-day (±15) post-operative quality of life
Measured over 30 days postoperatively
Inguinal Hernia Bilateral
Inguinal Hernia Unilateral
1 sites across 1 states
Illinois1
  • Nancy Ly, MD · STUDY_DIRECTOR · Northwestern University

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Male or female patients ≥18 years old
Symptomatic unilateral inguinal hernia
Occult contralateral hernia identified intraoperatively
Ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion

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
  • 30-day (±15) post-operative quality of life30 days postoperatively

    At 30 days postoperatively, patients will see their operating surgeon and will undergo a physical exam and complete a EuraHS survey as is standard of care. The EuraHS Quality of Life Score, validated for inguinal hernia patients, allows quantification of pain, physical restriction, and cosmetic satisfaction-domains directly affected by surgical intervention.