Factors associated with early discharge after inguinal hernia repair in 500 consecutive unselected patients

The feasibility of discharge within 48 h of surgery was evaluated in 500 consecutive men with unilateral uncomplicated non-recurrent inguinal hernia. Eighty-nine [corrected] patients were unsuitable for short-stay surgery on medical or social grounds. Of 411 patients suitable for early discharge, 107 stayed longer than 48 h. Early discharge was declined by 84 otherwise suitable patients and contraindicated because of local or general complications in 42. A total of 304 patients were discharged within 48 h; 1-day surgery was performed in 51 patients. Employment, low physical requirements, a lower age and fewer than two medical risk factors were associated with feasible and successful short-stay surgery. These factors may not be independent variables.