Comparing self-fixating mesh to stapled mesh for fixing inguinal hernias

A Double-blinded Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing the Clinical and Cost Effectiveness of Self-fixating Versus Stapled Mesh in the Laparoscopic Management of Inguinal Hernia

Not applicable Interventional Doncaster And Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · NCT03856710

This study is testing whether a new type of mesh that sticks on its own works better than stapled mesh for fixing inguinal hernias in patients who need surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment47 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorDoncaster And Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other
Locations1 site (Doncaster, South Yorkshire)
Trial IDNCT03856710 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of self-fixating mesh versus stapled mesh in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. It is a double-blinded randomized controlled trial conducted at two district general teaching hospitals, targeting patients with symptomatic unilateral or bilateral inguinal hernias. Participants will undergo assessments for inclusion criteria, provide informed consent, and complete baseline quality of life evaluations before being randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups. The study aims to evaluate postoperative outcomes and quality of life improvements following the surgical interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with symptomatic unilateral or bilateral inguinal hernias who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with acute inguinal hernia presentations or those unable to provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and quality of life for patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar surgical techniques, but this specific comparison of self-fixating versus stapled mesh is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \>18
* Demonstrated to have primary or recurrent unilateral or bilateral inguinal hernia
* Both patient and surgeon occupy a position of equipoise over the relative merits of either intervention
* Ability to give informed written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-elective acute presentation with inguinal hernia and its complications
* Inability to give informed written consent
* Groin symptoms which on clinical examination and radiological investigations fail to demonstrate any evidence of inguinal hernia.
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Doncaster, South Yorkshire

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 Inguinal HerniaInguinal herniaGroin herniaLaparoscopyMesh
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.