Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Perioperative Rehab for Inguinal Hernia Repair

Canada98 participantsStarted 2026-09

Plain-language summary

Despite how common inguinal hernia repair (IHR) surgery is, there is little research on how best to prepare people for this operation. Surgeons' advice to patients about exercise and physical activity are inconsistent and usually based on their clinical opinion. Some surgeons recommend exercise to help prepare for the operation while others say to rest. Research is needed to help know whether exercise is helpful before and after IHR surgery. This study will observe the effects of education and exercise before and immediately after IHR surgery. Half of the participants will be randomized to an education and exercise group and the other half to a non-exercise, care as usual group. Participant outcomes will be measured up to 3 months after their surgery. It is expected that participants in the education and exercise group will have: 1) less pain at follow-up, 2) better hernia-related outcomes, 3) quicker return to activity and work, and 4) improved overall experience surrounding IHR surgery. This project will help in developing clear guidelines for pre- and post-operation to better prepare patients for IHR surgery.

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: * scheduled to undergo first time elective inguinal hernia repair * willing to participate in a 6-week exercise program before and after surgery * internet access: ability to communicate via email and Zoom * at least 18 years of age * no medical contraindications to exercise Exclusion Criteria: * recurrent hernia * poorly controlled comorbidities that may prevent safe participation in exercise * use of opiates and/or opioids

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

Self-reported pain due to hernia

Timeframe: From enrollment to 12 weeks post-op

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07680777

SponsorUniversity of Alberta

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-09

Contact for this trial

Anna Shologan

780-492-2690 asholo@ualberta.ca

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Inguinal Hernia trials