[Ambulatory surgery--definition, socioeconomic and legal aspects]

One of the most important intentions of GSG 1992 is the favourization of traditional ambulatory surgery by legislative measures. However in general surgery a much higher potential for a significant reduction in cases of classical hospitalization and thus concomitant substantial financial savings lies in short-stay eg. one-day/one-night procedures. At present methods of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, thyroid surgery and herniorrhaphy-together about 50% of common hospital patients-are developed enough to be practiced safely under this strategy. In the future further suitable techniques could evolve from minor access surgical concepts.