Teaching patients to remove their own drains after ventral hernia repair
Empowering Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) Investigating the Feasibility and Outcomes of Patient Self-Drain Removal After Ventral Hernia Repair
This study tests if teaching patients to remove their own drains at home after ventral hernia repair is safe and helps them recover better than having a healthcare provider do it.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Wake Forest University Health Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charlotte, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT06237855 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of patients self-removing drains at home after undergoing ventral hernia repair. Participants will be randomly assigned to either self-remove their drains following an online training video or have their drains removed by a healthcare provider during a clinic visit. The study seeks to determine if self-drain removal is safe and effective, potentially reducing the need for additional clinic visits and associated costs. By empowering patients to manage their own care, the trial hopes to streamline the recovery process and improve overall patient satisfaction.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are undergoing elective ventral hernia repair with subcutaneous drain placement.
Not a fit: Patients who lack access to the online training video or whose surgeons do not believe they can safely self-remove the drain may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce healthcare costs and improve patient convenience by allowing for self-management of drain removal.
How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches to self-management in postoperative care have shown promise, this specific method of self-drain removal after ventral hernia repair is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged ≥18 years. * Undergoing elective ventral hernia repair (VHR). * Sub-cutaneous drain placement. * Anticipated Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) 1\&2 wound class. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who do not have access to the online training video. * The surgeon does not believe the patient can self-remove the drain. * Planned concomitant procedures. * Current mesh infection.
Where this trial is running
Charlotte, North Carolina
- Carolinas Laparoscopic & Advanced Surgery Program — Charlotte, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Todd Heniford, MD — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Greg Scarola, MS
- Email: Gregory.Scarola@AtriumHealth.org
- Phone: 704-355-5379
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.