Over a thousand ambulatory hernia repairs in a primary care setting

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.

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.

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.

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