PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Raj Dhumale TI - Feasibility study of hernia surgery in a general practice setting DP - 2004 Aug 01 TA - British Journal of General Practice PG - 604--607 VI - 54 IP - 505 4099 - http://bjgp.org/content/54/505/604.short 4100 - http://bjgp.org/content/54/505/604.full SO - Br J Gen Pract2004 Aug 01; 54 AB - 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.