Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 99

Evaluating lifting restrictions after inguinal hernia surgery

Official title: Activity Restrictions After Inguinal Hernia Repair

Run by VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System · NCT05867134 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if letting patients decide when to return to normal activities after inguinal hernia surgery helps them heal better and feel happier compared to following strict lifting restrictions.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
Enrollment200 (estimated)
SponsorVA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
Federal
Locations1 site (Aurora, Colorado)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 30, 2023
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2024
Study endsDecember 31, 2026
Registry record updatedMay 19, 2023
Trial IDNCT05867134 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals with a clinical diagnosis of unilateral inguinal hernia who are scheduled for surgery and can provide consent.

Probably not a fit

Patients with bilateral or recurrent inguinal hernias or those undergoing additional surgical procedures 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 pilot study aims to assess the impact of different lifting and physical activity restrictions following surgical repair of single-sided inguinal hernias. Patients will be randomized into two groups: one receiving standard care with specific activity restrictions and another allowed to return to activity as tolerated. The study will measure convalescence, surgical outcomes, complication rates, and quality of life through questionnaires and medical chart reviews. The goal is to determine if patients benefit from having autonomy in their recovery process.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized recovery protocols that enhance patient comfort and reduce recovery time.

How similar studies have gone: While similar studies have explored postoperative activity restrictions, this approach of allowing patient autonomy in recovery is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical diagnosis of unilateral inguinal hernia
* Must be undergoing surgery
* Must be able to consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Bilateral inguinal hernia
* Recurrent inguinal hernia
* Surgery scheduled with additional concomitant procedures

Where it's running

  • Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center
    Aurora, Colorado, United States
    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.