Feasibility study of hernia surgery in a general practice setting.

BACKGROUND: In the early 1990s, waiting times for some surgical procedures and opinions for such routine problems as groin hernia repair were unacceptably long. General practitioners with a special interest (GPwSIs) in general surgery may improve this, but little evidence exists as to whether such service developments may improve efficiency and effectiveness of care. AIMS: To reduce the waiting time by offering a surgical service from a general practice setting without compromising on quality and safety of patient care. DESIGN OF STUDY: Feasibility study. SETTING: One general practice and the patient population of northwest Norfolk. METHODS: A GPwSI whose special interest was in general surgery started offering a surgical service, including open hernia repair, from a purpose-built operating theatre within general practice premises. RESULTS: Four thousand, nine hundred and sixty-five surgical procedures, including 286 inguinal hernia repairs, were performed. Quality and safety of patient care were not compromised and the waiting time was reduced from 18 months to 4 months. CONCLUSION: It is feasible to perform open inguinal hernia repairs in a general practice setting.