Use of Stratafix Symmetric™ to Prevent Incisional Hernia in Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Surgery

A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Use of Stratafix Symmetric™ to Prevent Incisional Hernia in Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Surgery

Comparing the use of Stratafix Symmetric™ sutures to standard laparotomy closure sutures.

Determine whether the use of Stratafix Symmetric™ sutures reduces the development of Ventral Incisional Hernia (VIH) in patients undergoing complex GI surgery compared to standard laparotomy closure. Determine the safety of Stratafix Symmetric™ sutures compared to standard laparotomy closure sutures and the impact on quality of life and level of pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Participant is a male or female 18 years of age or older.
2. Participant is a current patient at West Michigan Cancer Center.
3. Participant is undergoing liver, pancreas or biliary or gastrointestinal surgery of a combination of the above, or other major oncological surgery.
4. Participant is willing and able to provide written informed consent before surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Participant has hemodynamic instability at the conclusion of the surgery. (These subjects will be deemed disqualified).
2. Participant has history of previous VIH.
3. Participant has a mental condition rendering the subject incapable of understanding the nature, scope and consequences of the study.