Comparing mesh and sutures for paraesophageal hernia repair

A Randomized, Blinded, Parallel-group Trial Evaluating Mesh Versus Pledgeted Sutures in Paraesophageal Hernia Recurrence

Not applicable Interventional The Cleveland Clinic · NCT05974722

This study is testing whether using a special mesh or stitches works better to prevent paraesophageal hernias from coming back after surgery for people who need this repair.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment164 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe Cleveland Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cleveland, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT05974722 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of Ovitex mesh versus pledgeted suture closure in reducing the recurrence of paraesophageal hernias over a two-year period. Conducted at the Cleveland Clinic, the study will enroll 164 patients who meet specific inclusion criteria and will be monitored for quality of life and recurrence rates post-surgery. The trial employs a randomized, single-blind design to minimize bias, with blinded outcome assessors evaluating the results. Participants will be followed for a total of seven years to assess long-term outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with Type II, III, or IV hiatal hernias greater than 5 cm.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have a BMI over 45, or have undergone previous hiatal hernia repairs may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and reduced recurrence rates for patients undergoing paraesophageal hernia repair.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with the use of mesh in hernia repairs, suggesting that this approach may be beneficial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age or older
* Willing and able to provide informed consent
* Willing and able to participate in long-term follow up including study visits and surveys
* Type II, III, or IV hiatal hernia \> 5 cm, confirmed via upper GI studies, CT, or MRI 5 cm or greater hernia confirmed intraoperatively

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* BMI \>45
* Allergy to any components of mesh
* Patients undergoing PEHR with a concurrent bariatric procedure or other procedure to reduce stomach volume (sleeve gastrectomy, roux-en-y gastric bypass, duodenal switch, single-anastomosis gastric bypass, and partial or total gastrectomy)
* Patients who have undergone previous hiatal hernia repair

Where this trial is running

Cleveland, Ohio

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 Paraesophageal HerniaGERD
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.