Comparing robotic and open methods for ventral hernia repair

Robotic Versus Open Ventral Hernia Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · The Cleveland Clinic · NCT05472987

This study is testing if robotic surgery for ventral hernia repair can help patients leave the hospital a day earlier compared to traditional open surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe Cleveland Clinic (other)
Locations4 sites (Gainesville, Florida and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05472987 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized trial compares the effectiveness of robotic retromuscular ventral hernia repair to traditional open retromuscular ventral hernia repair. The primary goal is to determine if the robotic approach can reduce the length of hospital stay by 24 hours. Patients will be blinded to the type of intervention they receive, and the assessment of when they can be discharged will be conducted by a blinded evaluator. The study aims to provide insights into the benefits of robotic surgery in hernia repair.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with midline ventral hernia defects between 7 cm and 15 cm and a BMI of 45 or less.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 18, have a BMI greater than 45, or have hernia defects outside the specified size range may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to shorter hospital stays for patients undergoing ventral hernia repair.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with robotic surgery in various surgical fields, suggesting potential success for this approach in hernia repair.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years and older
* 7 cm to 15 cm wide hernia midline defects
* BMI less than or equal to 45
* Patient deemed both an open and robotic candidate by operating surgeon

Exclusion Criteria:

* 17 years old or younger
* prisoners
* pregnant patients
* Emergent patients
* BMI greater than 45
* Hernia defects less than 7 cm or greater than 15 cm in width

Where this trial is running

Gainesville, Florida and 3 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: Ventral Hernia, Robotic, Hernia, Ventral hernia, Open hernia, Mesh

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.