Initiation and evaluation of a pilot scheme for minor surgery in general practice.

This study evaluated minor surgery in seven general practices in Stockport during the last six months of 1988. Information was collected from general practitioners followed by a survey on patient and doctor satisfaction with the scheme. A total of 361 minor surgery procedures were undertaken with no serious consequences of intervention; the post-operative infection rate was less than 1%. Financial implications were identified, including the effect on the District histology services. The results suggest high doctor/patient satisfaction rates, and support the hypothesis that minor surgery in general practice presents a practical alternative to hospital provision.