Cessation vs. no cessation of acetylsalicylic acid preoperatively in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (CAPTAIN): interim report from a multicentre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial.

Background: Given the increasing prevalence of antiplatelet agent use and the lack of high-quality evidence, the CAPTAIN trial aimed to investigate the safety and provide recommendations on continuing acetylsalicylic acid perioperatively in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (LIHR).

Methods: The CAPTAIN trial was a multicentre, surgeon blind, randomized controlled trial conducted from April 2016 to April 2023. Patients undergoing LIHR were eligible for inclusion. Participants were randomized to either the acetylsalicylic acid cessation group or the continued acetylsalicylic acid group. The primary endpoint was the incidence of hematoma formation at discharge.

Results: After a total of 69 patients were randomized, four patients dropped out, leaving 35 patients in the acetylsalicylic acid cessation group and 30 in the continued acetylsalicylic acid group. The baseline characteristics of both groups were similar. While the distribution of hernia types was largely comparable, there were significantly more direct inguinal hernias in the continued acetylsalicylic acid group (p < 0.001). The primary outcome, hematoma formation at discharge, was similar between groups (3.3% vs. 2.9%, p = 1.000). Secondary outcomes, including wound bruising, post-discharge hematomas, pain, seroma formation, wound infection rates, and length of hospital stay, did not differ significantly between groups. No thromboembolic complications, readmissions, chronic pain, or recurrences were observed during follow-up in either group.

Conclusion: This study found that it is safe to continue acetylsalicylic acid perioperatively in selected patients undergoing LIHR without an increased risk of complications.