Comparing laparoscopic and open hernia repair in children

'Hernia Endoscopic oR opeN Repair In chIldren Analysis": A Randomized Controlled Trial to Study the (Cost-) Effectiveness of Paediatric Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Compared to Open Hernia Repair

NA · Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) · NCT06451432

This study is testing whether a new minimally invasive hernia repair technique for kids is better and cheaper than the traditional surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment464 (estimated)
Ages0 Years to 16 Years
SexAll
SponsorAcademisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) (other)
Locations9 sites (Veldhoven, North Brabant and 8 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06451432 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study assesses the cost-effectiveness of laparoscopic Percutaneous Inguinal Ring Suturing (PIRS) versus traditional open hernia repair for unilateral inguinal hernias in children aged 0-16 years. It aims to determine which technique is more effective in reducing the number of surgeries and associated healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes. The study will involve a multicenter randomized controlled trial design, comparing the two surgical approaches and measuring various outcome metrics, including complications and total surgery duration.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are infants and children aged 0 to 16 years with a primary unilateral inguinal hernia.

Not a fit: Patients with incarcerated hernias, recurrent hernias, or other specific medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and reduced healthcare costs for children undergoing inguinal hernia repair.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for laparoscopic techniques in hernia repair, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1\. Infants aged 0 months to 16 years of age with a primary unilateral inguinal hernia undergoing hernia repair

Exclusion Criteria:

1. incarcerated inguinal hernia, which have to be operated immediately,
2. recurrent hernia
3. ventricular-peritoneal drain
4. non-descended testis
5. parents who are not able to understand the nature or consequences of the study.

Where this trial is running

Veldhoven, North Brabant and 8 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Inguinal Hernia, pediatric, PIRS, open inguinal hernia repair

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.