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Inguinal HerniaRCTNCT07401082

Mesh Fixation Methods in Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: Glue vs. Sutures vs. Tacks

A study testing Cyanoacrylate Surgical Adhesive Fixation, Suture Mesh Fixation and Helical Titanium Tack Fixation in people with Inguinal Hernia, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Egypt.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This study is a clinical trial that aims to compare three different methods for securing a surgical mesh during a specific type of groin (inguinal) hernia repair surgery. The surgery is performed using a minimally invasive, keyhole technique called TAPP. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 21 to 60 years, men only
Conditions the study is for
Inguinal Hernia
What is being tested?
Cyanoacrylate Surgical Adhesive Fixation, Suture Mesh Fixation and Helical Titanium Tack Fixation
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
75 participants
Where
1 siteEgypt
Study dates
26 Sep 2024to 1 Oct 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 21 to 60 years
  • Men only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Adults aged 21 to 60 years
  • Diagnosis of primary (de novo) inguinal hernia
  • Hernia type: unilateral or bilateral, direct or indirect
  • Scheduled for elective laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair
  • Able to provide informed consent

Who cannot join

  • Age <21 or >60 years
  • Recurrent inguinal hernia
  • Complicated hernia (irreducible, incarcerated, obstructed, or strangulated)
  • Contraindication to laparoscopic surgery or general anesthesia
  • Significant comorbid conditions making surgery high-risk (ASA class ≥III)
  • Chronic pain syndrome or regular use of strong analgesics
Show all 9Show fewer
  • Allergy to mesh materials (polypropylene) or fixation components (cyanoacrylate, titanium)
  • Participation in another clinical trial
  • Inability to complete follow-up or comply with study protocol

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Egypt1 site
  • Faculty of Medicine Cairo University

    Cairo, Al-Manial Cairo, 11956

Other trials in Egypt

About this study

Official title: Postoperative Pain and Quality of Life With Different Modalities of Mesh Fixation in Laparoscopic Trans-Abdominal Pre-Peritoneal Repair of Inguinal Hernia. A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study is a clinical trial that aims to compare three different methods for securing a surgical mesh during a specific type of groin (inguinal) hernia repair surgery. The surgery is performed using a minimally invasive, keyhole technique called TAPP.

The main questions this study aims to answer are:

Read more

Which mesh fixation method-surgical glue, stitches (sutures), or small metal coils (tacks)-results in less pain for patients after surgery?

Which method leads to a better quality of life and less feeling of the mesh inside the body after recovery?

Is there a difference in how long the surgery takes with each method?

To answer these questions, researchers will compare the three methods to see which one works best for patient comfort and recovery.

Adults aged 21-60 years with a new inguinal hernia who are having laparoscopic TAPP surgery can participate.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups:

Group 1: Their mesh will be secured using surgical glue.

Group 2: Their mesh will be secured using stitches (sutures).

Group 3: Their mesh will be secured using small metal coils (tacks).

All other parts of the surgery and care after surgery will be the same.

Participants will:

Have the laparoscopic TAPP hernia repair surgery.

Report their pain levels after surgery using a simple scale.

Answer questions about their comfort and quality of life during follow-up visits at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery.

Read the detailed description

This study is a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial designed to compare the postoperative outcomes associated with three distinct mesh fixation modalities in laparoscopic Trans-Abdominal Pre-Peritoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair.

Scientific Rationale:

While mesh reinforcement has drastically reduced recurrence rates in hernia surgery, chronic postoperative pain and mesh-related discomfort remain significant concerns that impact patient quality of life. The method of securing the mesh is hypothesized to be a key factor influencing these outcomes. Mechanical fixation with tacks or sutures may cause tissue trauma or nerve irritation, whereas adhesive fixation provides an atraumatic alternative. Direct comparative data on these three common techniques(glue, sutures, and tacks) within the standardized TAPP procedure is limited.

Study Design:

A total of 75 eligible participants will be enrolled and equally randomized into one of three parallel intervention arms in a 1:1:1 ratio. The randomization sequence will be computer-generated. Due to the nature of the interventions, blinding of the surgeon is not feasible; however, outcome assessors and the statistician will be blinded to group assignment where possible.

Interventional Protocol:

All participants will undergo a standardized TAPP procedure under general anesthesia. After creation of the preperitoneal space and placement of a polypropylene mesh over the myopectineal orifice, fixation will be performed according to the assigned group:

Glue Fixation Group: Fixation using a cyanoacrylate-based surgical adhesive (e.g., Glubran-2®) applied with a specific applicator.

Suture Fixation Group: Fixation using two non-absorbable polypropylene sutures placed at the medial and lateral ends of the mesh.

Tack Fixation Group: Fixation using helical titanium tacks (e.g., ProTack®), with careful avoidance of the "triangle of doom" and "triangle of pain" anatomical zones.

Follow-up and Assessments:

Participants will be followed for a period of six months postoperatively. Structured assessments will occur at designated intervals:

Pain Assessment: Measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) on postoperative day 1 and at 1, 3, and 6 months.

Quality of Life and Mesh Sensation: Assessed using the Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS), a validated hernia-specific questionnaire, at 1, 3, and 6 months.

Clinical Outcomes: Operative time, length of hospital stay, time to return to normal work/activities, incidence of complications (seroma, hematoma, infection), and hernia recurrence will be systematically recorded.

Statistical Analysis:

Data will be analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. Continuous variables will be compared using ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests as appropriate, followed by post-hoc pairwise comparisons. Categorical variables will be analyzed using the Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. A p-value of <0.05 will be considered statistically significant.

Study Significance:

This trial aims to provide high-level evidence to guide surgical practice by identifying the mesh fixation technique associated with the most favorable balance of reduced postoperative pain, improved quality of life, and cost-effectiveness, without compromising the durability of the repair.

Conditions
Inguinal Hernia
Being tested
Cyanoacrylate Surgical Adhesive Fixation, Suture Mesh Fixation, Helical Titanium Tack Fixation, Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) Inguinal Hernia Repair with Polypropylene Mesh Fixation. .
Keywords
Inguinal hernia, Laparoscopic Hernia Repair, TAPP, Transabdominal Preperitoneal Repair, Mesh Fixation, Surgical Glue, Cyanoacrylate, Sutures, Tacks, Carolinas Comfort Scale, Postoperative Pain
Medical subject headings
Hernia, Inguinal, Pain, Postoperative

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Cyanoacrylate Surgical Adhesive FixationDevice

    Fixation of the polypropylene mesh using a cyanoacrylate-based surgical adhesive (Glubran-2®). The adhesive is applied in small drops at the mesh corners using a specific applicator device (GlueTack) to secure the mesh to the abdominal wall without mechanical penetration.

  • Suture Mesh FixationProcedure or surgery

    Fixation of the polypropylene mesh using two non-absorbable polypropylene sutures. The sutures are placed laparoscopically at the medial and lateral ends of the mesh to mechanically secure it to the abdominal wall tissues (e.g., Cooper's ligament, transversalis fascia).

  • Helical Titanium Tack FixationDevice

    Fixation of the polypropylene mesh using multiple helical titanium tacks ( ProTack®). The tacks are fired laparoscopically around the periphery of the mesh, penetrating the abdominal wall to mechanically secure the mesh in place, while avoiding anatomical danger zones.

  • Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) Inguinal Hernia Repair with Polypropylene Mesh Fixation. .Procedure or surgery

    All participants in this study will undergo Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) Repair of Inguinal Hernia, which is the standard surgical procedure. This minimally invasive technique involves:

    Creation of Pneumoperitoneum: The abdominal cavity is inflated with carbon dioxide gas.

    Port Placement: Three small incisions are made for camera and instrument ports.

    Peritoneal Incision: The peritoneum (inner abdominal lining) is cut to access the preperitoneal space in the groin.

    Hernia Reduction: The hernia sac and contents are pushed back into the abdominal cavity.

    Mesh Placement: A synthetic polypropylene mesh is positioned to cover the entire myopectineal orifice (the weak area where hernias occur).

    Mesh Fixation: The mesh is secured using one of three study methods (glue, sutures, or tacks) according to the assigned intervention arm.

    Peritoneal Closure: The initial peritoneal incision is closed over the mesh to isolate it from the abdominal organs.

Study groups in NCT07401082
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Glue Mesh FixationExperimentalParticipants in this arm will undergo laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair with mesh fixation using a cyanoacrylate-based surgical adhesive (Glubran-2®) applied via a dedicated applicator (GlueTack device). The mesh will be secured with small drops of glue at its corners.
Receives: Device: Cyanoacrylate Surgical Adhesive Fixation; Procedure: Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) Inguinal Hernia Repair with Polypropylene Mesh Fixation. .
Suture Mesh FixationExperimentalParticipants in this arm will undergo laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair with mesh fixation using two non-absorbable polypropylene sutures placed at the medial and lateral ends of the mesh. This is a traditional mechanical fixation method.
Receives: Procedure: Suture Mesh Fixation; Procedure: Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) Inguinal Hernia Repair with Polypropylene Mesh Fixation. .
Tack Mesh FixationActive comparatorParticipants in this arm will undergo laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair with mesh fixation using helical titanium tacks (e.g., ProTack®). This is a standard mechanical fixation method commonly used in laparoscopic hernia repair. Tacks are placed around the periphery of the mesh, avoiding critical neurovascular zones.
Receives: Device: Helical Titanium Tack Fixation; Procedure: Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) Inguinal Hernia Repair with Polypropylene Mesh Fixation. .

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Postoperative Pain Intensity

    Intensity of pain measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), a 10-point scale where 0 = no pain and 10 = worst pain imaginable.

    Measured: Assessed on postoperative Day 1 and at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively.

  2. Postoperative Quality of Life and Mesh Sensation

    Patient-reported quality of life and mesh-related symptoms were measured using the Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS), a validated hernia-specific outcome measure. The CCS consists of 23 items evaluating pain, mesh sensation, and movement limitation during daily activities, each scored from 0 (no symptoms) to 5 (disabling symptoms), yielding a total score range of 0-115. Higher scores indicate worse postoperative comfort and quality of life.

    Measured: Assessed at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively.

  3. Operative Time

    Total duration of surgery, measured from skin incision to skin closure (in minutes).

    Measured: Recorded on the day of surgery.

Secondary outcomes (5)
  1. Hernia Recurrence

    Clinical or radiological evidence of recurrent inguinal hernia at the operated site.

    Measured: Assessed at 6 months postoperatively.

  2. Time to Return to Work/Normal Activity

    Number of days from surgery until the patient returns to their regular employment or daily activities.

    Measured: Assessed within the first 4 weeks postoperatively.

  3. Length of Hospital Stay

    Number of days from surgery to discharge from the hospital.

    Measured: Measured during the immediate postoperative period (typically 1-2 days).

  4. Postoperative Complications

    Incidence of surgical complications including seroma, hematoma, wound infection, mesh infection, and scrotal edema.

    Measured: Assessed on postoperative Day 1 and at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively

  5. Direct Material Cost of Mesh Fixation Device

    The direct material cost of the specific fixation device used in each study arm is recorded in US Dollars (USD). Costs are categorized into three predetermined ranges based on hospital procurement prices: Low ($30-60), Moderate ($200-300), and High ($350-500). Data will be aggregated and reported as the proportion of participants in each study arm falling into these cost categories.

    Measured: Recorded on the day of surgery.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted10 Feb 2026
  2. Study start26 Sep 2024
  3. Primary completion5 Mar 2025
  4. Study completion1 Oct 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Participants are randomized into one of three parallel groups (glue, sutures, tacks) and remain in that group for the duration of the study. All groups undergo the same surgical procedure (TAPP) with only the mesh fixation method differing.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
75 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07401082
Sponsor's protocol ID
MS-358-2024
Acronym
RCT
Status last verified
Feb 2026
First submitted
30 Jan 2026
Last updated
10 Feb 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Aziz AE, Khalil AH, Abdelnasser A, Elmonim AMA. Early postoperative pain and quality of life with different modalities of mesh fixation in laparoscopic trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal repair of inguinal hernia: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Surg. 2026 Jun 9;26(1):377. doi: 10.1186/s12893-026-03801-7.

    PubMed 42265662

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Cyanoacrylate Surgical Adhesive Fixation, Suture Mesh Fixation and Helical Titanium Tack Fixation in people with Inguinal Hernia, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Egypt.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 9 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Egypt. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Postoperative Pain Intensity (time frame: Assessed on postoperative Day 1 and at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively.). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07401082, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Feb 2026.

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