[Ambulatory dermatologic surgery]

Outpatient surgery in dermatology is likely to become increasingly important in future, for a number of reasons. Current social legislation favors outpatient surgery, because hospitals must justify performing any procedure in the outpatient catalogue on an inpatient basis. The range of conditions being treated is also broadening, for example due to the growing popularity of aesthetic enhancement procedures. Epidemiological trends in skin cancer will also lead to considerable growth in demand for outpatient dermatological surgery. This article analyses current trends in ambulatory dermato-surgery, taking into account social, legislative, hygienic, legal and economic aspects. Measures to promote quality assurance are also described. The difficult cost situation facing outpatient surgery is creating a need for new forms of cooperation between primary care physicians and hospitals.