Abstract
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.
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Received: 14 April 1998/Accepted: 28 May 1998
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Wright, D., Hall, M., Paterson, C. et al. A randomized comparison of driver reaction time after open and endoscopic tension-free inguinal hernia repair. Surg Endosc 13, 332–334 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004649900983
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004649900983