Arch Surg Chicago
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To discover the total costs and quality of life of burn patients in a specialist center classified by diagnosis-related groups (DRGs). ⋯ The labor costs were the most important and amounted to 56%; together with the social costs, these constituted 85% of the total costs. The DRG code 456 was an option dominated by the remaining DRG codes 458 through 460 and 472. Given the high costs of treating burn patients, a clear health care policy is urgently needed.
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Permanent sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a promising emerging treatment for fecal incontinence. However, there is little data on morbidity and quality of life (QOL) during long-term stimulation. ⋯ The minimally invasive technique of SNS is safe and effective. Most adverse effects can be easily remedied. Our data demonstrate that SNS significantly improves patients' QOL, including their physical and psychological well-being.