BACKGROUND: Ambulatory inguinal herniorraphy is performed worldwide. However, this procedure is not performed routinely in our reality. Our objetive is to analyze the benefits and complications of ambulatory inguinal herniorraphy in comparison to conventional intervention in our Service. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed with 105 patients who uwderwent ambulatorial or conventional inguinal herniorraphy between February and October of 2002. Variables, including costs, were analyzed at the 15th, 90th and 180th postoperative days. The Fischer's t test and chi-square test were used. Statistical significance was considered for a p value of p<0.05. RESULTS: From 105 patients, seven were excluded. The total rate complication was 36.08%. There was no significative statistical difference between groups at any time. The most common complication was local pain (24.7%). The costs decreased 20% when surgery was performed in an ambulatory basis as well as the waiting time which was also reduced. CONCLUSION: The ambulatory herniorraphy is a safe procedure, decreases hospital stay, costs and it has a similar complication rate when compared to conventional herniorraphy.
Herniorraphy Local anesthesia; Inguinal hernia; Ambulatory surgical procedures; Complications
