A review of minor surgery in general practice in the United Kingdom.

Few general practitioners in the United Kingdom do minor surgery, in contrast to their colleagues in other countries. The reasons are largely historical and relate to the structure and function of the National Health Service. This history of minor surgery describes its common occurrence before the NHS, its virtual disappearance after the NHS came about, and later revival by a few enthusiasts. The state of the art describes the wide range of surgical procedures in general surgery, orthopaedics, ear-nose-and-throat, gynaecology and ophthalmology. There are few complications, and very short waiting times in general practice minor surgery. The workload is not great. Economic studies show great saving may be made. Patients strongly prefer general practice minor surgery. In conclusion, despite many advantages, there remain major financial disadvantages for general practitioners in the United Kingdom to provide minor surgery for their patients.