NCT07316192 · Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Pelashield™ PainGuard™ vs Restrata® in HS Surgery
What this study is about
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a long-lasting skin condition that causes painful lumps and infections. In severe cases, patients need surgery to remove the affected skin. After surgery, a wound dressing called a wound matrix is placed over the area to help the skin heal. This study will compare two different wound matrices: Restrata®, which is the current standard treatment.
View original scientific description
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a long-lasting skin condition that causes painful lumps and infections. In severe cases, patients need surgery to remove the affected skin. After surgery, a wound dressing called a wound matrix is placed over the area to help the skin heal. This study will compare two different wound matrices: Restrata®, which is the current standard treatment. Pelashield™ PainGuard™, a newer dressing that contains silver to reduce bacteria and lidocaine to help with pain. The goal of this research is to find out if Pelashield™ PainGuard™ helps patients heal better after surgery than Restrata®. We will look at: How quickly healthy granulation tissue (new healing tissue) forms How soon the wound is ready for the second surgery to apply a skin graft How often infections happen after surgery How much narcotic (opioid) pain medication patients need after surgery Patients who receive Pelashield™ PainGuard™ will be enrolled in the study going forward (prospective group). Patients who previously had surgery with Restrata® will be included through a review of their medical records (retrospective group). No additional procedures will be done outside of standard surgical care.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adults (≥18 years) with a confirmed clinical diagnosis of HS requiring wide surgical excision.
- Ability to provide informed consent in English.
- Willingness and ability to attend routine postoperative follow-up visits to monitor healing and readiness for second-stage closure.
Exclusion criteria
- Non-English-speaking patients (due to consent and follow-up communication limitations).
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to wound matrix components (polyvinyl alcohol), local anesthetics, or silver.
- Known sensitivity to lidocaine or history of cardiac conditions contraindicating lidocaine use (e.g., severe heart block, Adams-Stokes syndrome, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome).
- Pregnancy or active breastfeeding.
- Severe immunosuppression (e.g., chemotherapy within 3 months, solid organ transplant, uncontrolled HIV with CD4 \<200, or chronic systemic steroids \>10 mg prednisone-equivalent/day).
- Uncontrolled diabetes (most recent HbA1c \>10% if available within 3 months).
- Active systemic infection or sepsis at time of surgery.
- Inability to complete postoperative follow-up through second-stage closure (e.g., plans to relocate).
Where
- Newark, New Jersey
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 22, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations