Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) Umbilical Hernia Repair (UHR) Absorbable vs Non-absorbable Synthetic Mesh

Absorbable and Synthetic Mesh: A Multicenter, Prospective, Non-Inferior, Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of this study is to see which of two types of mesh is better for fixing an umbilical hernia. One type of mesh is an absorbable synthetic mesh, which goes away on its own in the body, and the other type of mesh is a non-absorbable mesh, which stays in the body forever. The researchers will check if the hernia comes back, how it affects the patient's quality of life, and if there are any problems after the surgery during a three-year period.

The goal of this study is to compare the use of absorbable synthetic (AS) mesh versus non-absorbable mesh (NAS) mesh to determine the 3-year recurrence, quality of life (QOL) and postoperative complications in umbilical hernia repair. Patients will be randomized into one of two arms to receive an absorbable (Enform) mesh or non-absorbable (Marlex) mesh. Patients will undergo an umbilical hernia repair with the mesh assigned to their randomization cohort. The hernia recurrence, quality of life and postoperative outcomes to determine if the two meshes are non-inferior.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 years and older
• Primary umbilical hernia repair (UHR) [as defined by European Hernia Society (EHS) guidelines primary midline abdominal wall defect from 3 cm above to 3 cm below the umbilicus]
• Undergoing elective laparoscopic or open repair
• Defect size of 1-4cm2
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) class 1 & 2 wounds

Exclusion Criteria:

• None