Suture Techniques to Reduce the Incidence of Incisional Hernia: LTFU STITCH Trial

Launched by ERASMUS MEDICAL CENTER · Sep 27, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The LTFU STITCH Trial is a study looking at how different stitching techniques used during surgery can help prevent incisional hernias, which are bulges that can occur after abdominal surgery. In a previous trial, researchers found that using smaller stitches (5 mm x 5 mm) was more effective than larger stitches (1 cm x 1 cm) in reducing the chances of developing an incisional hernia. This new part of the study aims to see if this benefit lasts over a longer period, specifically after 10 years. It will also look at how these techniques affect patients' quality of life, body image, and abdominal function.

To participate in this study, you need to have taken part in the original STITCH trial and be alive, or if deceased, have your medical records reviewed. If you had previously indicated that you did not want to be contacted for follow-up studies, you won't be eligible. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires and may undergo physical examinations to assess their health and well-being over the years. This trial is currently recruiting participants aged 40 to 76, regardless of gender.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• In order to be eligible to participate in this study, a subject must meet the following criteria:
• • Available signed informed consent form for the original STITCH trial of the patients who are still alive.
• • Or if the patients has died, the medical records are reviewed.
• A potential subject who meets the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
• • - Patients that on the original informed consent form of the STITCH trial, checked the box that they did not want to be approached for future follow-up studies.