A multi-centre, prospective, observational study of current surgical practice used in the management of Incisional Hernias in the United Kingdom (UK). The study is a trainee led project, assisted by the North West Research Collaborative and sponsored by Manchester Foundation Trust.
Study Contact Emails:
- Jennifer Kingston jenniferkingston@doctors.org.uk
- Munir Tarazi munir.tarazi@nhs.uk
- Alex Shaw Alex.Shaw@mfs.nhs.uk
Study Summary
A prospective observational study of current surgical practice used in the management of Incisional Hernias (IH) in the United Kingdom (UK). The surgical repair of IH is not currently standardized, and no definitive consensus currently exists on surgical technique. As such we hypothesise that the variation in practice across the UK is vast, hence the rationale for this observational study.
The protocol has already been devised and, in brief, will facilitate data collection of (1) patient demographics (2) Classification of IH being repaired (using pre-existing standards) (3) method of repair (4) use of surgical adjuncts. The protocol has been designed to stratify and encompass the myriad of permutations for techniques of repairing IH. In doing so we have created a straightforward data collection tool which should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete.
The primary endpoint of the study is not designed to assess outcomes of surgical repair techniques or comparative results, but to observe the extent of variation of practice within this dynamic and evolving subspecialty. The study data will potentially generate much needed clinical information and pilot data to drive a future, larger, potentially national study or database which will eventually be able to compare techniques and evaluate outcomes.
We aim to collect data from at least 1000 surgical cases of Incisional Hernia repair within the UK, over a 12-month period. The study will include IH repair undertaken by General, Transplant and Plastic Surgeons.
Study Timeline
At present the protocol is established, sponsorship has been secured, however ethical approval is awaited. The aim is to achieve a study launch date of August 2021. If you are interested in participating in this study, please email Ms Jennifer Kingston, jenniferkingston@doctors.org.uk.
Contributors
Consultant Leads:
- Mr David van Dellen, Consultant in Transplant and General Surgery, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
- Mr Zia Moinuddin, Consultant in Transplant and General Surgery, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
Steering Group:
- Jennifer Kingston, ST6 Registrar, North West Deanery
- Munir Tarazi, ST5 Registrar, North West Deanery
- Alex Shaw, ST5 Registrar, North West Deanery
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