Over a thousand ambulatory hernia repairs in a primary care setting.

Introduction: This paper outlines the development and feasibility of a dedicated ambulatory primary care hernia service and examines the outcomes achieved during the period 1 March 2005 to 31 December 2008.

Patients And Methods: A prospective analysis of 1164 patients who underwent abdominal wall hernia repair at Probus Surgical Centre during the study period. The operations were carried out by two GPs with a special interest (GPwSI) and one retired surgeon. The techniques used were a Lichtenstein mesh repair or modified Shouldice repair for inguinal hernias and a primary sutured repair for ventral hernias. All procedures were performed as day-cases under local anaesthesia without sedation. All patients were reviewed routinely at 6 weeks. The primary outcomes of the study were recurrence and patient satisfaction levels, and complications such as infection, haematoma and chronic pain.

Results: No patient required conversion to general anaesthesia. There were three (0.3%) recurrences. Complication rates were low and similar to those obtained in other specialist hernia units. More than 90% of patients were satisfied with the service and would recommend it to a friend.

Conclusions: Routine elective abdominal wall hernia repairs can be performed in a primary care setting, safely and with excellent outcomes.