This first prospective nationwide study on elective umbilical and epigastric hernia repair found low morbidity and mortality but a high readmission rate mostly because of wound problems, seroma formation, or pain. Future research should focus on early outcomes in terms of wound problems, seroma formation, and pain after umbilical and epigastric hernia repair.

Outcomes after incisional hernia repair seem unsatisfactory.

This nationwide Danish study showed a low rate of redo fundoplication and a similar morbidity and mortality rate after redo surgery compared with that of primary surgery.

This nationwide study has shown an increased implementation of laparoscopic colonic surgery but probably performed in too many low volume departments. Laparoscopic colonic surgery should be monitored and further advances secured by adjustment of perioperative care to fast-track care.

To a great extent, patients agreed on the prioritised order of the hospital care aspects investigated. Avoidance of errors and professional health care skills had highest priority. Qualitative differences in priorities were mainly found among different age groups; the younger patients found that information was more important than the older patients, who on the other hand found continuity of care to be more important. Quantitative differences were observed, with patients harbouring different views on of the importance of hospital care in general; on average, women rated this slightly more important than men.