Remote surgicenter experience with hernia repair

A remote outpatient surgicenter was planned and constructed with three partner groups-76 physicians and two competing hospitals. The CFS was opened in July 1994 and has since performed a large volume of procedures: >124,800 total and, in 2003, 14,900 cases. This multispecialty center during that same period of time (1994 to date) has performed 2659 hernia operations. Patients were discharged home in 1-2 hours after surgery to be followed as outpatients in the physician's office. Only six patients were admitted to the hospital. This efficient and economic model is well suited for hernia repair in the selected adult and pediatric patient population without a significant number of adverse events. The community has readily accepted this program for adult and pediatric hernia repair. Patients, family members, referring physicians, and participating physicians have endorsed and recommended the program.