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Improving Access to Hernia Surgery: A Study of Same-Day Procedures in Public Hospitals

Same-Day Abdominal Wall and Groin Hernia Surgery in Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study Evaluating a Public Short-Stay Model

Status
Recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ANZCTR
Registry ID
ACTRN12625000458437
Enrollment
33
Registered
2025-05-15
Start date
2023-09-01
Completion date
2026-09-01
Last updated
2025-09-08

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a dedicated short-stay hernia surgery service for adults undergoing elective repair of abdominal wall or groin hernias. The intervention involves performing laparoscopic or open surgical hernia repairs as same-day procedures, focusing on minimally invasive techniques and intraoperative nerve blocks to support early recovery. The study will assess postoperative outcomes, including complications and quality of life, through structured follow-up at 4 weeks and 12 months. The hypothesis is that same-day hernia surgery will improve access to care and patient outcomes in the public healthcare setting.

Interventions

Participants underwent elective repair of abdominal wall or groin hernias (inguinal, femoral, umbilical, or ventral) through a dedicated short-stay hernia surgery service. This service represents the standard model of care at our institution and is not an intervention specific to the study. All eligible patients received either laparoscopic or open hernia repair as a planned same-day procedure, with admission and discharge occurring within the same calendar day. The care pathway emphasized mini

Participants underwent elective repair of abdominal wall or groin hernias (inguinal, femoral, umbilical, or ventral) through a dedicated short-stay hernia surgery service. This service represents the standard model of care at our institution and is not an intervention specific to the study. All eligible patients received either laparoscopic or open hernia repair as a planned same-day procedure, with admission and discharge occurring within the same calendar day. The care pathway emphasized minimally invasive techniques and the use of intraoperative nerve blocks to facilitate early recovery and discharge. Patients were selected for this pathway based on predefined clinical criteria, including age between 18 and 75 years, body mass index (BMI) under 40, and a low burden of comorbidities. Participation in the study involved no deviation from standard care. Data were collected as part of routine clinical follow-up at 4 weeks and 12 months postoperatively to assess surgical complications and patient-reported quality of life.

Sponsors

Canterbury Hospital
Lead SponsorHospital

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
Male
Age
18 Years to 75 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 to 75 years • Diagnosed with an uncomplicated abdominal wall or groin hernia (inguinal, femoral, umbilical, or small ventral hernia) • ASA Physical Status I–II • BMI < 40 • Medically suitable for same-day discharge based on anaesthetic assessment • Able to understand and consent to surgery and follow-up • Social supports in place to facilitate recovery at home post-discharge

Exclusion criteria

• Age > 75 years • Complex hernias (e.g., recurrent, strangulated, incarcerated, or requiring mesh explant) • ASA Physical Status IIIb or higher • BMI > or = 40 • Significant comorbidities requiring inpatient monitoring (e.g., unstable cardiovascular or respiratory disease, insulin-dependent diabetes with complications) • Requirement for anticoagulation therapy that cannot be safely managed perioperatively • Inadequate social support at home post-discharge • Inability to understand study procedures or comply with follow-up • Patients undergoing concurrent procedures or requiring overnight admission for other clinical reasons

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ANZCTR · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026