Comparing laparoscopic and open surgery for inguinal hernia repair

Pain and Quality of Life After Inguinal Hernia Repair. Randomized Study Comparing Laparoscopic TAPP Repair With Open Lichtenstein Repair (QoL-TAPP Study)

Not applicable Interventional Hospital Clinic of Barcelona · NCT04211142

This study tests whether laparoscopic surgery or open surgery for inguinal hernia repair leads to less pain and better quality of life for patients after the operation.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment216 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorHospital Clinic of Barcelona Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Barcelona)
Trial IDNCT04211142 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This investigation is a double-armed, randomized prospective study aimed at comparing the outcomes of open inguinal hernia repair using the Lichtenstein Technique versus laparoscopic repair using the TAPP method. The study will evaluate chronic pain, activity restrictions, and aesthetic outcomes preoperatively and at 1, 4, and 12 months post-surgery using the EuraHS-QoL score, a validated questionnaire. The goal is to determine which surgical approach results in better quality of life for patients after hernia repair.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals with a primary unilateral inguinal hernia.

Not a fit: Patients with bilateral hernias, recurrent hernias, or those requiring additional procedures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical techniques that minimize chronic pain and enhance quality of life for patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested that laparoscopic repair may result in less chronic pain compared to open repair, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* primary inguinal hernia
* unilateral hernia

Exclusion Criteria:

* bilateral hernia
* recurrent hernia
* incarcerated hernia
* large scrotal hernia
* known femoral hernia
* need for associated procedures
* not able to understand the questionaire
* immunosuppression (including corticosteroids, radiotherapy, chemotherapy)
* chronic renal failure (hemodialysis)
* active infection
* pregnancy
* allergy to polypropylene or cyanoacrylate
* patient's refusal and/or absence of informed consent

Where this trial is running

Barcelona

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 Hernia, InguinalPainChronic PainQuality of LifeLaparoscopic SurgeryCyanoacrylatesMesh, Surgical
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.