Pre‑surgery optimisation for ventral hernia repair

Preoptimisation in Ventral Hernia Surgery- a Randomised Trial

NA · Umeå University · NCT07316426

This trial tests whether a structured pre-surgery programme to boost activity, encourage weight loss, and optimise other health problems helps adults with 4–8 cm ventral hernias have fewer complications after surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment130 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUmeå University (other)
Locations5 sites (Gällivare, Norrbotten County and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07316426 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a multicentre, single-blinded, randomised trial that assigns adults with a 4–8 cm ventral hernia defect to either a multimodal preoptimisation programme or to usual care with surgery without structured preoptimisation. The preoptimisation programme includes interventions to increase physical activity, promote weight loss, and optimise treatment of comorbidities before elective repair. The primary outcome is postoperative complications measured at three months. During surgery the team will collect skin, muscle, and fascia biopsies and take blood samples before and after surgery to study molecular effects, especially on collagen metabolism.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) with a symptomatic ventral hernia and a defect width of at least 4 cm who are scheduled for elective repair and able to consent and participate in a pre-surgery programme.

Not a fit: Patients needing emergency hernia surgery, those with very limited physical function or expected survival under three years, or those unable to follow the preoptimisation activities are unlikely to benefit from this approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the programme could lower postoperative complication rates and improve wound healing and recovery for patients undergoing ventral hernia repair.

How similar studies have performed: Prehabilitation programmes for abdominal surgery have shown mixed but promising results for reducing complications, while multimodal preoptimisation specifically for ventral/incisional hernia is relatively novel with limited direct evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a ventral hernia with a defect width of at least 4 cm.
* Symptom burden related to the hernia sufficient to justify surgical intervention.
* Age ≥ 18 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Expected survival of less than three years.
* Inability to comprehend oral and written information or to provide informed consent.
* Acute complication of the hernia requiring emergency surgical intervention.
* General condition characterised by severe limitations in physical functional capacity.

Where this trial is running

Gällivare, Norrbotten County 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hernia, Hernia, Ventral, Hernia Incisional, Hernia, Umbilical, preoptimisation, prehabilitation

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.