Effectiveness of total extraperitoneal hernia correction for clinically occult inguinal hernia: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

INTERVENTION: ‐ Endoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia correction ‐ Watchful waiting approach (treatment will consist of rest, painkillers and optional physiotherapy) CONDITION: Inguinal hernia, Pain, Cost‐effectiveness , Quality of life, Clinically occult ; ; PRIMARY OUTCOME: Reduction in pain intensity, measured in rest and during physical activity by the numeric rating scale (NRS) SECONDARY OUTCOME: ‐ Pain intensity 1.5,6 and 12 months after treatment ; ; ‐ Quality of life ; ; ‐ Health care use ; ; ‐ Duration to resumption of daily and professional activities ; ; ‐ Morbidity after treatment ; ; ‐ Cross‐over rate ; ; ‐ Patient satisfaction ; ; ‐ Cost‐effectiveness INCLUSION CRITERIA: ‐ Age 18 years or older ‐ Unilateral groin pain (minimum NRS score of 1 during rest and/or physical activity) ‐ No features of an inguinal hernia on physical examination ‐ Radiologic diagnosis of an inguinal hernia on ultrasonography