Community-based post-operative follow-up visit after major surgery for benign gynaecological conditions: a prospective study.

The time from surgery to discharge after major procedures for benign gynaecological conditions continues to fall. This small prospective study was undertaken to assess the postoperative problems encountered by patients after gynaecological surgery for a variety of benign disorders, and the potential of the 6-week surgical follow-up to be performed by the patient's family doctor rather than the hospital. The patients' and doctors' satisfaction with such care was determined. The study showed that follow-up in the community was acceptable to both patient and doctor. When problems arose after discharge most patients ( 50%) contacted their family doctor. At the 6-week visit few had physical problems, though most (58-100% depending on the Group) felt that a 6-week follow-up was required. Six-week postoperative follow-up by the family doctor is acceptable, and could permit more effective use of hospital specialists, though would increase the workload of family doctors.