Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Comparing two techniques for closing abdominal surgery incisions to prevent hernias

Official title: Comparison Between the Use of a Prophylactic Polypropylene Mesh and the "Small Bites" Technique in Midline Laparotomy Closure for Emergency Colorectal Surgery for Incisional Hernia Prevention

Run by Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona Dr. Josep Trueta · NCT06220058 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether a new way of closing surgery cuts can help prevent hernias in patients who need emergency surgery for bowel issues.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment148 (estimated)
SponsorInstitut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona Dr. Josep Trueta
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Girona, Catalonia)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 5, 2024
Main results expectedJanuary 15, 2026
Study endsJanuary 15, 2027
Registry record updatedOctober 8, 2024
Trial IDNCT06220058 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old with colorectal conditions requiring urgent surgical treatment via midline laparotomy.

Probably not a fit

Patients with severe COPD, high BMI, or those undergoing re-laparotomies 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 study aims to compare the effectiveness of two techniques for closing midline laparotomy incisions in emergency colorectal surgeries: the traditional closure method and the 'small bites' technique combined with absorbable polypropylene mesh. The goal is to gather evidence on the incidence of incisional hernias and related complications following these surgical procedures. By focusing on patients requiring urgent surgical intervention for colorectal conditions, the study seeks to address gaps in current guidelines and provide clearer recommendations for surgical practices.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and reduced rates of incisional hernias for patients undergoing emergency colorectal surgery.

How similar studies have gone: While there is limited consensus in existing literature, this study aims to fill a significant gap in evidence regarding emergency abdominal wall closure techniques.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients diagnosed with colorectal pathology requiring urgent surgical treatment via midline laparotomy.
* Patients undergoing urgent laparoscopic surgery but necessitating conversion to midline laparotomy.
* Urgent surgical intervention required at the level of the colon and/or rectum, even in the presence of other abdominal pathologies.
* Age over 18 years.
* Signed informed consent (IC) from the patient and the investigator.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) according to the GOLD classification or decompensated COPD.
* BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2.
* Re-laparotomies.
* Patients with psychiatric illnesses, addictions, or any disorder hindering the understanding of the Informed Consent.
* Inability to read or comprehend any of the languages in the Informed Consent (Catalan, Spanish).

Where it's running

  • Colorectal Surgery Section, Department of General and Digestive Surgery, University Hospital of Girona,
    Girona, Catalonia, Spain
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.