Comparing two surgical techniques for ventral hernia repair

ExtrAperitoneaL Plasty vs Intraperitoneal oNlay mEsh in Ventral Hernia Repair - the Randomized Controlled ALPINE Trial

NA · University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT06367309

This study tests which of two surgical methods for fixing ventral hernias, eTEP or IPOM, helps patients recover better and have fewer problems after surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment138 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland (other)
Locations1 site (Basel, Canton of Basel-City)
Trial IDNCT06367309 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of two surgical techniques, Extended Totally Extraperitoneal Repair (eTEP) and Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh (IPOM), in treating ventral hernias. The study aims to evaluate outcomes such as postoperative pain, complication rates, recurrence of hernias, and overall quality of life for patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two surgical approaches and will be followed up for several years to assess their recovery and any long-term effects. The trial seeks to determine which technique offers better results for patients undergoing hernia repair.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with primary or incisional ventral hernias that meet specific size criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with certain types of hernias, liver disease, end-stage renal disease, or those requiring emergency surgery may 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 ventral hernia repair.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with similar surgical techniques, but this specific comparison is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient age \>18 years
* Informed consent obtained
* Primary or incisional ventral hernia
* Epigastric, umbilical or infraumbilical ventral hernias with transversal diameter \>1cm and \</= 4cm, +/- rectus diastasis which doesn't demand specific treatment
* If multiple hernias: cumulative transversal diameter \</= 4cm
* Considered eligible for minimally-invasive approach

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subxyphoidal or suprapubic hernias
* precedent hernia treatment with mesh placement in the retromuscular space
* liver disease defined by the presence of ascites
* end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis
* need of an emergency surgery
* pregnancy
* need of rectus diastasis treatment intraoperatively

Criteria for participating surgeons

\- Each participating surgeon has performed 20 or more laparoscopic IPOM procedures and 20 or more eTEP procedures.

Where this trial is running

Basel, Canton of Basel-City

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, Abdominal Wall Defect

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.