Comparing suture and mesh methods for repairing incisional hernias

A Modern Comparison of Suture Repair With Mesh Repair for Incisional Hernia

Not applicable Interventional The Cleveland Clinic · NCT05599750

This study is testing whether using stitches instead of mesh for fixing incisional hernias helps people feel just as good one year after surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment154 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe Cleveland Clinic Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Gainesville, Florida and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05599750 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the quality of life outcomes one year after incisional hernia repair using either synthetic mesh or suture techniques. The study will assess whether primary suture repair is non-inferior to mesh repair for hernias measuring 2-6cm. Patients will be blinded to the type of intervention they receive, and the primary outcome will be measured using the HerQLes summary score. The trial is designed to provide insights into the effectiveness of these two surgical approaches.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with a non-emergent incisional hernia measuring 2-6cm and who have not previously had mesh used in a ventral hernia repair.

Not a fit: Patients with emergent cases, those under 18, or individuals who have had prior mesh repairs at the intended site may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide evidence that suture repair is a viable alternative to mesh repair, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored various surgical techniques for hernia repair, but this specific comparison of suture versus mesh in a non-inferiority framework is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults \>18 years old.
* Anticipated hernia defect 2-6cm in width
* Non-emergent case
* CDC class I
* Patients who previously underwent primary ventral hernia repair without the use of mesh
* Incisional hernia

Exclusion Criteria:

* Emergent cases
* Patients \< 18 years old
* Patients who are pregnant
* Patients who previously underwent a prior ventral hernia repair with mesh at the site of the intended repair. Abdominal mesh in separate locations would be allowed.
* Ventral hernia \<2cm or \> 6 cm in width
* Primary hernia
* CDC wound class II-IV

Where this trial is running

Gainesville, Florida and 4 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.
Conditions Incisional Hernia
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.