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Background: In the literature, one can find information on systemic changes in outpatient care in hand surgery, which consist in limiting the frequency of follow-up visits in dedicated, specialist clinics, in favour of self-control performed by the patients themselves and by family doctors. This is the so-called concept of postoperative self-monitoring. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this method after minor hand surgeries

Methods: 194 patients, 134 women (67%) and 66 men (33%), aged of 57 years in average, were invited to the study. Patients with hand diseases such as carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren’s disease, trigger finger or benign hand tumour were operated on in the “one-day surgery” mode, under local anaesthesia. They were discharged after the operation, with a recommendation to change the dressings and remove the stitches in the district surgical clinic. After 2 months all patients were interviewed by phone, asking about the postoperative course and satisfaction with this method of care.

Results: Eleven (5.5%) patients came to the clinic in person due to various problems related to the operated hand. Of the remaining 183 patients contacted by phone at 2 months, 167 (86%) reported no problems with postoperative self-control and were fully satisfied with this regimen. Twenty-seven patients (14%) (including those who came to the clinic in person) were partially satisfied and reported various problems in the postoperative period, most often difficulties with the removal of stiches. No postoperative complications requiring hospitalization or re-operation were found.

Conclusion: The change in the postoperative care system from a traditional to a self-monitoring has shown great effectiveness and safety for patients. This improved the work of the department, improved patient access to treatment, increased patient satisfaction and reduced costs.