title: [Experiences with shorter surgery].
abstract: Through the introduction of new computer-based forms of organisation, the hospital stay for both general and visceral surgery has been significantly reduced. A short stay ward with 15 beds and a dedicated functional unit was established in 1994 where approximately 1,000 operations take place each year with a 2.3 day average hospital stay. At this center laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic herniorrhaphy, arthroscopy and perforating vein surgery are performed on ASA-I- and ASA-II-patients. Experience indicates that patients satisfaction has dramatically increased. This is due to a shorter waiting period, a guaranteed operation in accordance with the time scheduled, a comfortable hotel-like-atmosphere and minimal hospital stay without an increase of the perioperative risk. In this way hospitals can maximize their profits using special payment arrangements (all-inclusive prices). Even after introduction of the new DRG-systems short stay surgery will be attractive considering economic aspects.
authors.affiliation: Chirurgische Abteilung, Klinikum Nord Heidberg, Hamburg.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rückert
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Nahrstedt
mesh_terms: D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013996:Time and Motion Studies