[Length of stay of hernia patients: an international comparison]

A comparison of four community hospitals in four countries (U.S.A., Sweden, U.K., Switzerland) shows important differences regarding the average length of stay in these four countries. The mean stay for the diagnosis of inguinal hernia in Switzerland is about twice as high as in the other countries. Explanations for such variations lie with the shape of the system of care rather than with the medical needs of different populations.