Convalescence and driver reaction time after tension-free inguinal hernia repair.

To obtain an objective basis for a policy on the advice to patients on when to drive after anterior tension-free hernia repair. Foot reaction time before operation and on the 2nd postoperative day in 20 skilled male drivers with a right inguinal hernia was measured and compared with that of 30 normal subjects. The tests in a car simulator indicated that an untreated right inguinal hernia had no effect on emergency stop reaction time and that a plug-mesh hernia repair did not impair reaction time on the 2nd postoperative day (P>0.30). Average visual analogue pain scores on the 2nd and 4th postoperative days were 2.3 and 1.7, respectively. On the 8th postoperative day 18 patients had returned to normal activity and work. There was no recurrences after a mean postoperative time of 18 months. These data suggest that open tension-free hernia repair allows return to normal activities and car driving within a few days of the operation.