Dtsch Arztebl Int
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A number of studies have revealed higher postoperative mortality after operations that were performed toward the end of the week. It is not yet known whether a day-of-the-week effect exists after visceral surgical procedures for cancer in Germany. ⋯ Elective surgery for carcinoma of the colon or pancreatic head is associated with slightly higher mortality if per - formed toward the beginning of the week. On the other hand, the day of the week has no effect on the outcome of surgery for rectal carcinoma.
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The reported high mortality of COVID-19 patients in intensive care has given rise to a debate over whether patients with this disease are being intubated too soon and might instead benefit from more non-invasive ventilation. ⋯ Nasal high flow, non-invasive ventilation, and invasive ventilation with intubation should be carried out in a stepwise treatment strategy, under appropriate intensive-care monitoring and with the observance of all relevant anti-infectious precautions. Germany is better prepared that other countries to provide COVID-19 patients with appropriate respiratory care, in view of the high per capita density of intensive-care beds and the availability of a nationwide, interdisciplinary intensive care registry for the guidance and coordination of intensive care in patients who need it.