Clinical Research Directory

Hernia Sac Flap Coverage of Mesh in Bony-Edged Ventral Hernia Repair

This trial asks whether covering the inner, bowel-facing surface of a hernia mesh with a flap of the patient's own hernia sac improves healing after repair of a complex ventral (abdominal wall) hernia in which one edge of the defect is bone - for example hernias next to the breastbone and ribs, above the pubic bone, or at the iliac crest. In these "bony-edged" hernias the mesh is both hardest to fix and hardest to cover. There is no fascia on the bony side for the surgeon to stitch the mesh to, and the lining layer of the abdomen cannot be closed underneath the mesh because the plane that carries it stops at the bone. The mesh may therefore be left in contact with the bowel, which can lead to dense adhesions, mesh erosion, chronic pain and, rarely, a fistula. Normally the hernia sac - the thin membrane that lines the hernia - is cut away and discarded. In this trial the surgeon instead preserves it as a living, blood-supplied flap, rotates it underneath the mesh, and stitches it in place as a new lining layer that separates the mesh from the bowel and covers the bony edge. The technique uses only the patient's own tissue: no extra mesh, no donor site and no added cost. One hundred and eighty adults undergoing planned (non-emergency) open repair of a bony-edged complex ventral hernia will be randomly assigned in equal numbers to one of two groups: standard retromuscular (sublay) mesh repair with the added sac flap (90 participants), or standard retromuscular mesh repair alone, with the sac handled in the conventional way (90 participants). Every other step of the operation is the same in both groups. The main question is whether the sac flap reduces the number of participants who develop any wound or mesh problem in the first 30 days after surgery. This is measured as a composite called a surgical site occurrence, which includes wound infection, seroma, haematoma, skin or soft-tissue death, wound breakdown, mesh exposure and fistula. The trial also compares complications needing a drainage or operative procedure, hernia recurrence at 12 months, overall complication severity, operating time, blood loss, hospital stay, readmission, reoperation, pain, quality of life and death. Participants, ward and clinic staff, the doctors who assess the wounds, the radiologist who reads the follow-up scans and the trial statistician will not know which operation was performed; only the operating surgeon will. The group assignment is revealed only during the operation, after the surgeon has confirmed that the defect truly has a bony edge and that the sac is suitable for a flap. Participants are followed for 12 months.

Doxycycline Use in Post-Operative Seromas

Seromas are collections of serous fluid that can develop following surgical procedures and may persist as fibrous-lined pseudocysts if not adequately treated. In orthopedic surgery, particularly after arthroplasty, seromas can impair wound healing, increase pain, and limit postoperative rehabilitation, potentially compromising patient recovery. Current treatment strategies including compression, percutaneous aspiration, and repeat surgical intervention have variable success, and aspiration carries the risk of introducing bacteria into an otherwise sterile fluid collection. Sclerotherapy has been proposed as an alternative strategy to induce fibrosis within the cavity and eliminate the potential space. Doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic commonly used for pleurodesis, has demonstrated sclerosing properties through mechanisms including mesothelial cell destruction, inhibition of fibrinolysis, and stimulation of fibroblast activity. While doxycycline sclerotherapy has shown success in treating conditions such as Morel-Lavallée lesions and has been described in isolated orthopedic case reports, its role in managing postoperative seromas after arthroplasty remains poorly studied. Further investigation is needed to determine whether doxycycline injection may serve as a safe and effective treatment to reduce persistent seromas and the need for additional interventions in orthopedic patients.

Steri-Strip Application Versus Standard Wound Closure for Cesarean Section Incisions

This study is evaluating whether Steri-Strips® provide additional benefits when used after cesarean section (C-section) surgery. Steri-Strips are adhesive strips that are commonly placed over a surgical incision to provide support while the wound heals. At our hospital, Steri-Strips are routinely used after C-sections in addition to standard wound closure techniques, although they are not considered part of the standard recommended closure method. Researchers want to determine whether adding Steri-Strips actually reduces wound complications such as infection, fluid collection under the skin, or reopening of the incision. Previous studies have shown mixed results, with some suggesting little difference in wound healing outcomes while others reported differences in scar appearance. Steri-Strips may also increase costs, add time to the surgery, and occasionally cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive standard cesarean wound closure with Steri-Strips, while the other group will receive standard wound closure without Steri-Strips. Researchers will compare wound healing, complications, patient outcomes, and costs between the two groups. The goal of this study is to determine whether Steri-Strips improve recovery after cesarean delivery and whether their routine use is beneficial and cost-effective. The findings may help guide future recommendations for cesarean wound care and improve outcomes for patients undergoing C-section delivery.

Effect of Drainage on the Incidence of Seroma After Laparoscopic Trans Abdominal Preperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of drainage on the incidence of seroma after laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair.

Prophylactic Use of ciNPWT in Gynecologic Laparotomy

This is a prospective, open-label, non-randomized interventional feasibility study with a nested qualitative analysis. The study exploratively verifies the feasibility of targeted prophylactic closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) in clinical practice for patients with a high predicted risk of wound healing complications and compares the 30-day incidence of postoperative complications with standard dressing. Participants will: * Get ciNPWT or standard dressing after planned laparotomy * Answer the questionairs about qualite of life * Will visit the clinic 30 days after surgery to see the final result

Management of Seroma After Posterior Lumbar Spine Decompression

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical presentation and management strategies of seroma formation following posterior lumbar spine decompression.

Outcomes of High-volume Saline Irrigation VS Povidone-Iodine Solution Cleaning of IOWI in Preventing SSIs in Emergency Laparotomies

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the outcomes of High-volume saline irrigation vs Povidone-iodine solution cleaning of the intraoperative incision wound in preventing superficial surgical site infections in patients undergoing emergency laparotomies. The main question it aims to answer are: * Incidence of SSI after intervention * Length of hospital stay Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups receiving either of the two groups: Group A: 1000ml of IOWI with saline solution prior to incision closure Group B: The incisional wound will be closed conventionally without irrigation. Researchers will compare groups A( experimental group) and B (control group) to compare the incidence of superficial surgical site infections after intervention.

Seroma of the Mammary Gland

The study is designed as international, prospective, minimal interventional study in cooperation with EUBREAST e.V. (European Breast Cancer Research Association of Surgical Trialists). Furthermore, it is planned to initiate a registry for postoperative breast seromas.

Breaststroke Swimming After Breast Cancer Treatment/Surgery as a Means of Treatment for Seroma, Lymphedema, and Chronic Arm and Chest Pain

Following surgery and treatment for breast cancer, many patients experience swelling of lymph nodes (lymphedema) or accumulation of fluid (seroma) that can cause pain, restrict movement, and reduce quality of life. Current treatments include massage, pressure dressings, and drainage, but these are often ineffective and do not last. Physical activity, in particular swimming, has been linked to improvement in lymphedema/seroma symptoms, but more research is required to determine whether or not this type of treatment is effective.

fixAtion of skiN Flaps After Mastectomy Using ruNning or Interrupted suturEs for Combatting Seroma

Rationale: Flap fixation significantly reduces the incidence of seroma formation after mastectomy. Therefore, research should focus on finding the most optimal way to secure the skin flaps to the pectoral muscle. Previous studies have compared running sutures, interrupted sutures and tissue glue application to conventional wound closure. A recent systematic review with network meta-analysis indicated running sutures as the most optimal technique, however direct comparisons and high quality articles were lacking. Objective: This prospective trial aims to directly compare running sutures with interrupted sutures in order to prevent complications in patients undergoing a mastectomy. Study design: This trial will combine a retrospective cohort from the previous SARA-trial in Zuyderland MC with a randomised prospective trial. This study design was chosen to acquire a sample size with sufficient power and the ability to conduct this study in an acceptable time frame. Study population: A retrospective cohort of patients participating in the SARA trial (RCT) and a prospective cohort of patients undergoing a mastectomy for breast cancer. Intervention: Group 1: Flap fixation after mastectomy with running sutures. Group 2: Flap fixation after mastectomy with interrupted sutures. Main study parameters/endpoints: The primary endpoint is the incidence of complications requiring interventions in both groups, including clinically significant seroma, infections and bleeding complications. Secondarily, the length of the procedure and cosmetic results will be compared. Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: When participating, patients will undergo 3 additional outpatient clinic visits. Study visits will be combined with regular visits where possible, including the first postoperative visit after 7-10 days and either the 6 week or 3 month visit.