DAY-CASE ANORECTAL SURGERY

All patients referred to the University Department of Surgery, Wellington Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand, with minor anorectal conditions requiring surgery were considered for day case surgery. Eighty-three per cent of the patients were found suitable for day surgery. One hundred patients underwent 103 procedures under general anaesthesia. Admission to hospital from the day care facility was required for four patients; two for bleeding, one for pain and one for drowsiness. One patient required readmission due to inability to cope at home. Twenty-six per cent reported severe pain. Eighty-nine per cent found day surgery to be convenient and preferable to inpatient surgery. Eleven per cent found day surgery inconvenient and would prefer inpatient surgery in future. It is suggested that many anorectal procedures can be performed on a day case basis in selected patients, with safety and convenience. It is well tolerated and accepted.