ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate our 5 year experience in the surgery of umbilical (UH) and epigastric hernias (EH) on an ambulatory basis. Sixty three point seven of UH (88/138) and 68.4% of EH (13/19) could be successfully operated in our ambulatory unit. Morbid obesity, ASA III-IV and insulin dependent diabetes were exclusion criteria. After a preoperative local anesthesia infiltration with 1% lidocaine a repair was undertaken in all 101 patients under monitored anesthesia care. Most patients underwent a mesh hernioplasty as definite treatment. Only three patients could not be discharged on the day of operation. There has been a 2% recurrence rate in long term follow-up. These results demonstrate that two thirds of primary aponeurotic hernias can be satisfactorily operated on ambulatory basis.
