FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH EARLY DISCHARGE AFTER INGUINAL-HERNIA REPAIR IN 500 CONSECUTIVE UNSELECTED PATIENTS

The feasibility of discharge within 48 h of surgery was evaluated in 5 00 consecutive men with unilateral uncomplicated non-recurrent inguina l hernia. Fifty-nine patients were unsuitable for short-stay surgery o n medical or social grounds. Of 411 patients suitable for early discha rge, 107 stayed longer than 48 h. Early discharge was declined by 84 o therwise suitable patients and contraindicated because of local or gen eral complications in 42. A total of 304 patients were discharged with in 48 h; 1-day surgery was performed in 51 patients. Employment, low p hysical requirements, a lower age and fewer than two medical risk fact ors were associated with feasible and successful short-stay surgery. T hese factors may not be independent variables.