Robotic Versus Open Comparison in the Surgical Treatment of Wide Abdominal Wall heRnias (ROCSTAR) (NCT05575141) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Robotic Versus Open Comparison in the Surgical Treatment of Wide Abdominal Wall heRnias (ROCSTAR)
100 participantsStarted 2025-07-01
Plain-language summary
In the treatment of ventral incisional hernias, a mesh repair in the retromuscular plane is considered as the gold standard. To allow for adequate medialization of the fascial borders and a complete closure of the defect in case of large incisional hernias, component separation techniques are increasingly being used. When compared to anterior component separation, posterior component separation by transversus abdominis release (TAR) seems to decrease postoperative wound problems. While laparoscopic techniques pose significant difficulties to perform TAR minimally invasively (mainly due to ergonomic and technical reasons), these limitations seem to be overcome by robotic platforms. Initial retrospective patient series report on significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay and fewer complications after robotic transversus abdominis release (rTAR), when compared to open transversus abdominis release (oTAR). High-quality prospective evidence on rTAR is currently lacking.
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:
\- All patients requiring treatment of a wide ventral incisional hernia (of more than 8 centimetres in width)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Pregnant or suspected pregnancy
* Not-curatively treated malignancy, with life expectancy less than 24 months
* Patients unable to give informed consent or complete study specific questionnaires
* Emergency surgery
* Primary ventral hernia repair
* Exclusively lateral hernias not involving the midline
* Incisional hernia repair after open abdomen or enterocutaneous fistula
* Active wound infection
* Previous anterior or posterior component separation
* Patients with an existing ostomy
* Patients with a life expectancy of less than 24 months
* Patients suspected of being unable to comply with the study protocol
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
1
Length of postoperative hospital stay
Timeframe: hours from the end of surgery (last skin suture) until discharge, assessed up to 20 days