[Inguinal hernia operations-Always outpatient?]

Area of Science:

• General Surgery
• Surgical Innovation

Context:

• Inguinal hernia operations are the most frequent surgical procedures in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH region), with 300,000 performed annually.
• There is significant political and legislative pressure to shift from inpatient to outpatient treatment to reduce healthcare costs.
• Outpatient inguinal hernia surgery has not been widely adopted in the DACH region despite these pressures.

Purpose:

• To address the underutilization of outpatient inguinal hernia surgery in the DACH region.
• To describe the current status and challenges of outpatient hernia repair.
• To provide an assessment of the situation by the leading surgical societies.

Summary:

• Inguinal hernia repair is the most common surgery in the DACH region, yet outpatient procedures are underutilized.
• Leading surgical societies (DHG, CAH, ÖHG, SAHC) are examining the reasons for this limited adoption.
• The current situation and initial position regarding outpatient hernia surgery are being assessed.

Impact:

• Highlights a gap between legislative goals and clinical practice in hernia repair.
• Provides a foundational assessment for future strategies to increase outpatient hernia surgery.
• Aims to inform policy and practice to optimize surgical care delivery and reduce costs.