Watchful waiting versus immediate repair for a hidden hernia on the other side of the groin
Official title: WATCH IT TRIAL WAtchful Waiting Versus immediaTe Repair for Occult Contralateral Hernias Found During MIS Inguinal Hernia Repair Trial.
Run by Northwestern University · NCT07461558 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether fixing a small, hidden hernia found on the opposite side during minimally invasive groin hernia surgery or leaving it alone is better for adults having unilateral symptomatic inguinal hernia repair.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 152 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 2028 |
| Study ends | April 2029 |
| Registry record updated | November 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07461558 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 or older having minimally invasive surgery for a symptomatic unilateral inguinal hernia who are found during the operation to have an occult contralateral inguinal hernia and can provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with symptomatic bilateral hernias on exam, prior contralateral hernia repair, urgent presentations, contraindications to anesthesia or surgery, pregnant patients, or those unable or unwilling to consent are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, non-inferiority trial comparing immediate repair to watchful waiting when an occult contralateral inguinal hernia is discovered during minimally invasive unilateral hernia repair. Patients are randomized intraoperatively and followed at 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years to compare recovery, quality of life, and the need for later surgery. The primary short-term outcome is 30-day quality of life, and the watchful waiting arm will capture any hernia-related complications or subsequent repairs. The trial is led by Northwestern with procedures performed at participating surgical centers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could reduce unnecessary immediate repairs and lower the risk of additional surgery or long-term groin pain by supporting a safe watchful waiting approach, or alternatively justify immediate repair to prevent future operations.
How similar studies have gone: There is no level 1 randomized evidence on this question; observational series and surgeon opinion are mixed with some data suggesting immediate repair prevents reoperation but concerns remain about repair-related chronic pain.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female patients ≥18 years old * Symptomatic unilateral inguinal hernia * Occult contralateral hernia identified intraoperatively * Ability to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Prior contralateral inguinal hernia repair * Symptomatic, bilateral inguinal hernias confirmed on physical exam * Contraindications to general anesthesia or surgery * Urgent or emergent presentations * Adults unable to consent * Pregnant patients
Where it's running
-
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Megan S Melland-Smith, MD
- Email: megan.mellandsmith@nm.org
- Phone: 3129071414
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
See if anti-estrogen therapy can help men with a unilateral inguinal hernia
This small early-stage trial tests whether anti-estrogen medications can be used in men 50 and older with a symptomatic unilateral inguinal hernia to see if they are safe and feasible.
-
Analgesia after open inguinal hernia repair using intrathecal morphine or a transversalis fascia plane block
This trial tests whether intrathecal morphine or a ultrasound-guided transversalis fascia plane block can provide better pain relief after open inguinal hernia repair in adults.
-
Ozonated oil dressing after open inguinal hernia repair
This trial tests whether an ozonated oil‑impregnated dressing can reduce early wound redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain after elective open inguinal hernia repair in adults.
-
Desarda versus Lichtenstein repair for primary inguinal hernia
This study will see if the Desarda (no-mesh) repair or the Lichtenstein (mesh) repair leads to fewer problems after surgery in adults with a primary unilateral inguinal hernia.
-
Ultrasound-guided blocks for kids' abdominal surgery pain relief
This study tests whether a bilateral anterior quadratus lumborum block can provide better pain relief than a bilateral erector spinae plane block in children after open lower abdominal surgery.
-
Infrared thermography to predict erector spinae plane block success in children having unilateral inguinal hernia repair
This project will test whether temperature changes seen on a thermal camera can tell if an erector spinae plane block worked in children aged 3 months to 6 years having unilateral inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.