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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Identifying regions with low life expectancy is important to policy makers, in particular for allocating resources in the health system. Life expectancy estimates for small regions are, however, often unreliable and lead to statistical uncertainties when the underlying populations are relatively small. ⋯ We do not find a consistent urban-rural gap in life expectancy. Our results suggest that policies that improve living standards for poorer segment of the population are the most likely to reduce the existing differences in life expectancy.
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Editorial Comment
Equality in Living Conditions as a Prerequisite for Health Equity.