European journal of pediatric surgery : official journal of Austrian Association of Pediatric Surgery ... [et al] = Zeitschrift für Kinderchirurgie
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Fast-track concepts in pediatric surgery were established in a university hospital in consecutive studies within several years. They significantly reduced the length of hospitalization compared with German institutions without fast-track protocols. The aim of this study was to assess the implementation process of fast-track in a German nonacademic department of pediatric surgery without previous fast-track experience. ⋯ Fast-track concepts can be applied in a nonacademic department of pediatric surgery without previous fast-track experience and with excellent patient/parent satisfaction. However, the G-DRG system interferes with concepts of early discharge of patients. Modifications of the reimbursement modalities within the German health care system seem to be mandatory.
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Many hospitalized patients are affected by medication errors (MEs) that may cause discomfort, harm, and even death. Especially, children are considered to be at high risk of experiencing harm due to MEs. More insight into the prevalence, type, and severity of harm caused by MEs could help reduce the frequency of these harmful events. The primary objectives of our study were to establish the prevalence of different types of MEs and the severity of harm caused by MEs in hospitalized children from birth to 18 years of age. In addition, we investigated correlations between harmful MEs and characteristics of the collected data from 426 hospitalized children admitted, and the medication process. ⋯ Surgical pediatric patients seem to be at high risk for harmful MEs. Although the harm was considered minor in most cases, it still caused discomfort for the patients, and the high prevalence is a source of concern. Interventions to prevent the MEs should focus on the prescription and administration of nonopioid analgesics and antiemetic drugs.
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The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on stricture formation in corrosive esophageal burns. ⋯ Our results suggest that DMSO can decrease the occurrence of stricture formation and could represent a beneficial alternative therapy for the treatment of corrosive esophagitis.