NCT07340918

Comparison of Small-bite Versus Conventional Midline Fascial Closure in Abdominal Surgeries

Completed Last updated 15 January 2026

What this trial tests

trial in Incisional Hernia/Prevention and Control in 217 participants. Completed in 31 July 2024.

Timeline

1 May 2021

Primary endpoint
31 July 2024

31 July 2024

Quick facts

Lead sponsor	Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University
Status	Completed
Study type	OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment	217
Start date	1 May 2021
Primary completion	31 July 2024
Estimated completion	31 July 2024
Sites	1 location across Turkey (Türkiye)

Conditions studied

• Incisional Hernia/Prevention and Control — all drugs for Incisional Hernia/Prevention and Control →
• Surgical Site Infection (SSI) — all drugs for Surgical Site Infection (SSI) →

Sponsor

Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University

Who can join

18 and older, any sex, with Incisional Hernia/Prevention and Control or Surgical Site Infection (SSI). Patients with the condition only — healthy volunteers not accepted.

Sponsor's own description

This study investigates how different incision and fascial closure (suture) techniques used in abdominal surgery are associated with the development of incisional hernia, a common long-term complication after laparotomy. Incisional hernia can cause pain, impaired quality of life, and may require additional surgery, making its prevention clinically important.

Adult patients undergoing midline abdominal surgery were followed prospectively. During surgery, detailed information about the incision and closure technique was recorded, including the type of fascial closure (small-bite versus conventional technique), incision length, suture length, and the suture-to-wound length ratio. Patient-related factors such as age, body mass index, comorbidities, and preoperative laboratory values were also collected. After surgery, patients were monitored for early wound complications, such as surgical site infection or wound dehiscence, and were followed for up to 12 months to assess whether an incisional hernia developed. Hernia diagnosis was based on clinical examination and ultrasonographic evaluation.

The main goal of the study is to identify which technical and patient-related factors are independently associated with the risk of incisional hernia. In particular, the study evaluates whether the small-bite fascial closure technique, which uses smaller and more closely spaced stitches, is associated with a lower risk of hernia formation and wound complications compared with conventional closure methods. Secondary objectives include assessing factors related to early postoperative wound complications and length of hospital stay.

By integrating surgical technique details with patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes, this study aims to improve understanding of modifiable risk factors for incisional hernia. The results may help surgeons choose closure techniques more effectively and improve postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

Publications & conference data

1 peer-reviewed publication reference this trial (live from Europe PMC):

1. Small-bite versus conventional midline fascial closure in abdominal surgery: a prospective observational cohort study.
   Tanrıverdi E, Şahin S, Yazkan C, Dere Ö, et al · · 2026 · PMID 41580707 · DOI 10.1186/s12893-026-03530-x