The objectives of this study were to test: (a) whether an Ambulatory Surgery Unit (ASU) would be operative in our environment; (b) to investigate patient acceptance and satisfaction rates for ambulatory surgery; and (c) to assess to what extent the unit would affect general surgery waiting lists. Between October 1990 and March 1994 a total of 552 patients underwent anaesthesia and surgery and were discharged on the same day. Postoperative follow-up was by phone call or home visit by a trained nurse the following day. Total satisfaction following the procedure was expressed by 98% of the patients. A total of 523 admissions for hernia, pilonidal cysts and proctology were saved by the ambulatory unit and the general surgery waiting list was reduced from 13 to 3 months.