Shouldice groin hernia repair: permanent vs slowly dissolving stitches

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized study compares two suture types in the Shouldice non-mesh groin hernia repair. Participants are adults with a symptomatic unilateral inguinal hernia, enrolled across sites and randomized intraoperatively after dissection. The main outcomes look at hernia recurrence within one year, complications, groin pain, quality of life, and foreign-body sensation, using intention-to-treat analysis. The trial also assesses feasibility for a larger future non-inferiority study, including recruitment and follow-up completeness. Both sutures are FDA-cleared and the trial is designed to inform optimal suture choice in Shouldice repairs.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female patients 18 years or older
* Symptomatic unilateral inguinal hernia
* BMI 30 or less
* Ability to provide informed consent
* Must speak and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Urgent or emergent presentations
* Contaminated cases
* Prior inguinal hernia repairs done on side of presenting symptomatic hernia
* Femoral hernias
* Adults unable to consent
* Pregnant patients
* Bilateral inguinal hernia repairs

Where it's running

• Northwestern Memorial Hospital
  Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Megan Melland-Smith, MD — Northwestern University
• Study coordinator: Megan Melland-Smith, MD
• Email: megan.mellandsmith@nm.org
• Phone: 312-695-6868

Similar studies

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

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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.