[Ambulatory surgery in clinical practice: limits and possibilities]

Prerequisites for outpatient surgery performed by primary care physicians are fundamental anatomic knowledge and basic surgical skill. A precise clinical and functional examination of the affected area must precede every wound care, treatment of infection or excision of a skin lesion. The surgical procedure and postoperative care must be determined and discussed with the patient. Lesions with defect and lesions of neurovascular structures as well as deep infections of the hand, stab and bite wounds must be taken care of by a specialist. Histologic examination of excised skin lesions is mandatory. Malignant melanomas have to be considered by a interdisciplinary treatment regimen.