[Experiences with shorter surgery]

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.