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Watchful Waiting Versus Immediate Repair for Occult Contralateral Inguinal Hernias.

WATCH IT TRIAL WAtchful Waiting Versus immediaTe Repair for Occult Contralateral Hernias Found During MIS Inguinal Hernia Repair Trial.

Who can join

Ages 18 and older · All sexes

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

About the study

This study will compare two ways of managing a small, hidden hernia that can sometimes be found during minimally invasive surgery to repair a hernia on one side of the groin. Occasionally while fixing the known hernia, the surgeon discovers a small hernia on the other side that has not caused any symptoms. Surgeons do not agree on the best way to handle these hernias. Some believe it should be repaired right away during the same operation to prevent it from getting bigger or from causing symptoms later, which could require another surgery. Others believe it is better to leave it alone since it is not causing problems and groin hernia surgery carries risks including long-term pain.

This study will randomly assign patients, if a hidden hernia is found during surgery, to either having it repaired immediately or to have it monitored over time. Patients will be followed up at 30 days, 1 year and 2 years following surgery. The researchers will compare recovery and quality of life between the two groups. For those in the monitoring group, the study will also track whether the hidden hernia causes symptoms or eventually needs surgery. The goal is to determine whether repairing the hidden hernia right away is as safe and effective as watching and waiting, so doctors and patients can make more informed decisions in the future.

What is being tested

• surgery (any volume) and / or pharmaceuticals treatment initiated or planned or only dynamic observation, in accordance with current clinical guidelines (procedure)
• Watchful waiting with supportive care (procedure)

Sponsor: Northwestern University · Participants: 380 · Started: Apr 1, 2026

Contact the study team

• Megan S Melland-Smith, MD · Phone: 3129071414

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07461558

Locations in the U.S.

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.