UnknownPhase 4

A Prospective, Double-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial of dHACM for Incisional Hernia Prophylaxis

United States533 participantsStarted 2020-05-20

Plain-language summary

Currently, no standard of care exists to prevent incisional hernias (IH). This study will compare how frequently IH develop in standard abdominal closures vs. abdominal closures with dHACM added. By adding dHACM to the standard closure, we think we can reduce the formation of IH. If patients decide to participate in this study, they will be randomly assigned to one of two study arms, Arm A or Arm B. They will have a 50% chance of being assigned to either arm. The assignment will be made by computer program and is completely random. Patients are not informed of which arm they are assigned. Arm A (Treatment Arm): dHACM Patients enrolled in this arm will have a thin sheet of dHACM placed as an overlay over the length of the closed incisions. dHACM is Dehydrated Human Amniotic-Chorion Membrane. It is a FDA-registered healing adjunct that has been applied in a broad range of diseases including wounds, plantar fasciitis and burns. Arm B (Control Arm) Patients enrolled in this arm will have standard fascial closure. Data collection will be performed at routine follow-up outpatient clinic visits with the primary surgeon to assess for IH related symptoms. At 6 months after surgery, patients will see a surgeon who is blinded to the randomization. This surgeon will perform a painless handheld ultrasound examination of the incision site.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patient \> 18 years * Written informed consent * Non-emergent operation * Predicted incisional herna (IH) risk ≥150% of the average IH risk, as calculated by the University of Pennsylvania Hernia Risk Calculator, which accounts for 18 IH risk factors * BMI \> 27 yields IH risk \> 150% of the average IH risk; this can be used as a shortcut for screening potential subjects Exclusion Criteria: * Previous intraperitoneal mesh placement * Previous abdominal incisional hernia * Emergency procedures * Patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Incidence of IH as determined by physical exam or abdominal ultrasound demonstrating a midline fascial defect and hernia sac> 4mm diameter

Timeframe: 6 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04417140

SponsorLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2022-05-20

Contact for this trial

Frank Lau, MD

504-412-1240 flau@lsuhsc.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Incisional Hernia trials