A randomized comparison of driver reaction time after open and endoscopic tension-free inguinal hernia repair

Background: The aim of this study was to assess whether prosthetic tension-free inguinal hernia repair would cause less impairment of reaction times, thus allowing an earlier return to driving than previously recommended after conventional hernia repair. Methods: Driver reaction times were measured in 64 patients randomized to open tension-free repair or totally extraperitoneal endoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Measurements were made preoperatively and on postoperation days 1, 3, and 6. Results: In the endoscopic group, there was a gradual improvement in hand and foot reaction times over the days tested. In the open group, there was a slowing in both hand and foot reaction times on postoperation days 1 and 3. The difference in foot reaction times between the open and endoscopic groups was significant on these days (p = 0.01 and 0.003, respectively), By day 6, the foot reaction times in the open group were slightly faster than before surgery. Conclusions: After prosthetic tension-free inguinal hernia repair, patients can return to driving 1 week after the operation.