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Help Us Advance Postoperative Pain Management Options
We recently conducted a research study exploring new options for managing postoperative pain without opioids, specifically following hernia repair surgery.
Our goal is to continue advancing pain management through research, and we’re always looking for individuals interested in future studies. Participants in upcoming research may receive compensation for their time and travel. Join our list to be notified when new opportunities become available—your involvement could help shape the future of medicine.
What is a Hernia?:
A hernia happens when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. This can cause a visible bulge, discomfort, or pain—especially when coughing, bending, or lifting heavy objects. While hernias are not always immediately dangerous, they often require surgery to prevent complications.
Common Types of Hernias:
Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal hernias occur when a part of the intestine or fatty tissue protrudes through the lower abdominal wall or into the inguinal canal in the groin. These are more common in men and may cause a visible bulge, pain, or pressure.
Umbilical Hernia
Umbilical hernias happen when part of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall near the belly button. They are common in infants but can also occur in adults, especially those who are overweight or have had multiple pregnancies.
Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This type is not visible from the outside but can cause symptoms like heartburn, acid reflux, and chest discomfort.
Femoral Hernia
More common in women, femoral hernias occur when tissue pushes through the femoral canal, just below the groin. These are less common but can lead to serious complications if not treated.
Incisional Hernia
These develop at the site of a previous surgical incision when the abdominal wall becomes weakened. They can appear months or even years after surgery.
Why Should I Participate?
Those who qualify and choose to participate could receive:
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Their hernia repair at no cost.
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Access to a potential new pain medication at no cost
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Access to our dedicated team of board-certified surgeons, physicians and research team at no cost
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Compensation for time and travel
Study Criteria
To be added to our waiting list you must:
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Be aged 18 years or older
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Willing to have an open inguinal hernia repair surgery
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Have a BMI less than 40
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NOT have a known hypersensitivity to aspirin or other NSAIDs
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NOT have a history of drug or alcohol abuse
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Additional criteria apply
What is a research study or clinical trial?
A research study or clinical trial is the process a potential new drug, device, procedure, or process goes through to prove that it is safe, tolerable and effective for the condition it is being studied for. Research studies are the only way to advance medicine for future generations.
Who can participate in a research study?
Each study has its own set of inclusion and exclusion criteria that a participant must meet before they are allowed to participate in a study. Patients from all backgrounds and walks of life are encouraged to participate.
What is Informed Consent?
Every participant in every research study must go through the informed consent process. During this, the trial doctor and research team go over what will happen in the study, what treatments you might get, how long the trial is expected to last, what happens during visits, the potential risks and benefits, and many other important facts about the study. Participants may withdraw their consent and discontinue the study at any time for any reason.
What is a Placebo?
A placebo looks like a treatment but does not have any active medicine in it. Researchers use placebos to help make sure any changes in the participants’ health are actually caused by the study treatment. You do not get to choose if you get the study treatment or the placebo, and you may not know if you get the placebo until after the study. Not all research studies use a placebo.
Why is Diversity Important?
If studies do not include diverse participants, we cannot know if treatments work for everyone who needs them. Studies only tell researchers how something works for the participants of that study, and they may not work the same in people of different races, ethnicities, ages, or sexes.
How am I Protected?
All research studies must follow federal laws and ethical guidelines, including HIPAA. Studies must also be approved by an expert group called an institutional review board (IRB) that helps make sure the trial is fair and as safe as possible, and that any risks to the participants are worth the potential benefits.