Comparing robotic and open methods for ventral hernia repair
Official title: Robotic Versus Open Ventral Hernia Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by The Cleveland Clinic · NCT05472987 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Cleveland Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Gainesville, Florida and 4 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 25, 2022 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05472987 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Other studies have shown promising results with robotic surgery in various surgical fields, suggesting potential success for this approach in hernia repair.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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University of Florida Health
Gainesville, Florida, United States Recruiting -
University Hospitals
Cleveland, Ohio, United States Recruiting -
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, Ohio, United States Recruiting -
Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital
Greenville, South Carolina, United States Recruiting -
University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lucas Beffa, MD — The Cleveland Clinic
- Study coordinator: Lucas Beffa, MD
- Email: beffal@ccf.org
- Phone: 216-445-5975
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Duramesh repair versus minimally invasive IPOM for high-risk umbilical hernia
This trial tests whether Duramesh repair can match the pain outcomes of minimally invasive IPOM in adults with high-risk umbilical or ventral hernias.
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Epidural vs. opioid-sparing pain control after complex ventral hernia repair
This trial tests whether an epidural for pain relief after transversus abdominis release hernia repair works better than a non‑opioid, abdominal wall numbing injection approach.
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Hernia Sac Flap Coverage of Mesh in Complex Bony-Edged Ventral Hernias
We’re testing whether using the patient’s own hernia sac as a living flap underneath the mesh helps healing after complex ventral hernia repair when part of the edge is bone.
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AGN-151607-DP to help close the belly wall after open midline ventral hernia repair
This trial tests whether a single intramuscular dose of AGN-151607-DP helps safely close the belly wall in adults having open midline ventral hernia repair.
-
Intensive lifestyle intervention for patients undergoing ventral hernia repair
This study tests if a special program that helps people change unhealthy habits can reduce complications after surgery for ventral hernia repair.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.