Comparing cosmetic outcomes of different umbilical hernia repair techniques

Cosmetic Outcomes of Umbilical Hernia Incisions; A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City · NCT06738121

This study is testing which of two surgical methods for fixing umbilical hernias in kids under 10 leaves a better-looking scar.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment170 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 9 Years
SexAll
SponsorChildren's Mercy Hospital Kansas City Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kansas City, Missouri)
Trial IDNCT06738121 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the cosmetic outcomes of two different surgical techniques for repairing umbilical hernias in children under 10 years of age. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either an infra-umbilical incision or a transumbilical incision during their outpatient procedure. Data will be collected on the day of surgery, and parents will submit photographs of the incision site at a later date to assess cosmetic results. The study is being conducted at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children under 10 years old with umbilical hernias smaller than 1.5 cm.

Not a fit: Patients with umbilical hernias larger than 1.5 cm or those who have had prior umbilical surgery will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify the surgical technique that results in better cosmetic outcomes for children undergoing umbilical hernia repair.

How similar studies have performed: While there may be existing studies on umbilical hernia repairs, this specific comparison of incision techniques in a pediatric population is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient presenting with umbilical hernia that is \<1.5cm in size based on physical exam for outpatient repair
* Treated at CMH Adele Hall or CMHK from 09/11/24 - 09/11/25
* Subjects \<10 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

* Umbilical hernia \> 1.5 cm in size
* Patients with prior umbilical surgery
* Subjects ≥10 years of age

Where this trial is running

Kansas City, Missouri

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Umbilical Hernia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.