Ongoing Clinical Trials for Hernia Repair
Currently, there is 1 ongoing clinical trial investigating pain management strategies for patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair. This trial is examining whether the timing of a local anesthetic injection can help reduce chronic pain after surgery.
Clinical trial locations
Study on the Effect of Levobupivacaine in Reducing Chronic Pain After Open Inguinal Hernia Repair in Patients
This clinical trial is investigating ways to prevent chronic pain that can develop after open inguinal hernia mesh repair surgery. The study focuses on a pain management technique called the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block, which uses a local anesthetic medication named Levobupivacaine.
Who can participate:
- Adults over 18 years of age
- Patients scheduled for open inguinal hernia mesh repair surgery (a surgical procedure to fix a hernia in the groin area using a mesh)
- Individuals with a symptomatic inguinal hernia confirmed by a doctor or imaging test
- Patients who can provide written informed consent
- Individuals with an ASA classification of I, II, or III (a health status rating where I indicates a healthy patient, II indicates mild health issues, and III indicates more serious but controlled health conditions)
Who cannot participate:
- Patients not undergoing the specific open inguinal hernia mesh repair procedure
- Individuals who are part of vulnerable populations requiring special protection
- Patients outside the specified age range
What the trial involves:
The main goal of this study is to determine whether the timing of the TAP block affects the development of chronic pain after surgery. The TAP block involves injecting Levobupivacaine, guided by ultrasound, to numb the nerves in the abdominal wall. Some participants will receive this injection before the surgical incision is made, while others will receive it after the incision.
The surgical procedure used in this trial is the Lichtenstein technique, a well-established method for repairing inguinal hernias. After surgery, participants will be monitored for three months to assess whether they develop chronic postsurgical pain. The research team will use a questionnaire to evaluate pain levels and compare outcomes between the two groups.
Investigational treatment:
The trial is testing the ultrasound-guided TAP block using Levobupivacaine, a local anesthetic that works by blocking sodium channels in nerve cells to prevent pain signals from being transmitted. While this medication is already well-established in medical practice, the study aims to find out whether giving it before or after the surgical incision provides better long-term pain relief.
By understanding the optimal timing for this pain management technique, healthcare providers may be able to improve recovery experiences for patients undergoing hernia repair and reduce the risk of developing chronic pain that can interfere with daily activities.
Summary
Currently, there is one active clinical trial focused on pain management for open inguinal hernia repair, taking place in Spain. The trial is specifically investigating the timing of local anesthetic administration to prevent chronic postsurgical pain, a condition that can persist for months or years after surgery and significantly affect quality of life. This research may help establish better pain management protocols for the many patients who undergo this common surgical procedure each year.
