'One-stop' inguinal hernia surgery--day-case referral, diagnosis and treatment.
BACKGROUND
Patients with unilateral inguinal hernias are conventionally seen at an out-patient appointment before being placed on a waiting list for surgery. Many patients are also required to attend a pre-assessment clinic prior to admission.


OBJECTIVE
To establish whether patients fit for day surgery inguinal hernia repair could be assessed and treated at a single hospital appointment.


METHODS
Patients referred with unilateral inguinal hernias were sent an information sheet and health questionnaire by post. General practitioners were asked to help patients complete the medical details. Patients suitable for day surgery were sent a single appointment for assessment and treatment by an open, tension-free Lichtenstein mesh repair.


RESULTS
Ninety-eight patients were sent an appointment for 'one-stop' inguinal hernia treatment. Ninety-two patients (93.5%) underwent inguinal hernia repair and were discharged on the same day without complication.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with unilateral primary inguinal hernias who are under 70 years old and ASA grade I or II can been seen, assessed and treated on the same day. 'One-stop' inguinal hernia surgery reduces the number of patient visits to the hospital and could be expanded to incorporate many more hernia repairs and other day case procedures.
Putnis
S
S
Department of General Surgery, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.
Merville-Tugg
R
R
Atkinson
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005260:Female; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013526:Surgical Mesh