[Analysis of the cost-income ratio for open and laparoscopic sigmoid resection]. / Wirtschaftlichkeitsanalyse für die konventionelle und laparoskopische Sigmaresektion im Hinblick auf die Einführung der DRG's.

Based on the example of the sigmoid resection, we did a cost-income analysis evaluating the particular expenses and effects of the new DRG-based medical financing system. We analysed the cost of diagnostic tests, medication and nutrition, surgery, personnel and non medical expenses for 20 open and 27 laparoscopic operated patients. The cost of open surgery was calculated to be 3,288.44 euro per patient while laparoscopic surgery was calculated to cost 4,271.98 euro. Based on an average hospitalisation period of 16 days, the estimated income for the hospital was 5,738.98 euro. Independent of the length of hospitalisation, an income of 6,621.34 euro for the hospital was estimated using the new DRG-based medical financing system. Thus, implementation of the new DRG-based medical financing system makes it possible to give patients the benefit of shorter hospital stays following laparoscopic surgery. The cost for the hospital, however, is only minimally reduced.

[Success and failure with the Demers catheter in dialysis]. / Erfolge und Fehlschläge mit dem Demers-Katheter in der Dialyse.

Between January 1995 and January 1999 54 Demers atrial catheters were implanted in 48 uraemic patients. Indications for implantation were: urgent need for haemodialysis with missing vascular access (39), fistula occlusion (7), low shunt flow (3) and problems with a previously implanted catheter (5). We observed 7 catheter infections, 5 catheter occlusions, 1 intraoperative air embolism, 3 haematomas and 1 dacron socket dislocation. The average period of use of an atrial catheter was 170 days, the longest period almost 2 years. The majority of catheters were explanted without any dysfunction. The long time of availability makes Demers atrial catheters an alternative to fistula for multimorbid patients on dialysis with poor long-term survival.