Ralf Hammerich

Background/Objectives: Electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) and CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB) are established approaches to sampling peripheral pulmonary lesions. Comparative real-world data on procedure-associated pleural complications and hospital resource use remain limited. We compared coded pleural complications, length of stay, hospital costs and reimbursement after ENB versus TTNB in German inpatient care. Methods: This retrospective multicentre analysis used fully anonymised administrative hospital cost and reimbursement data from nine German hospitals between January 2023 and December 2024. Of 2904 inpatient cases (590 ENB and 2314 TTNB), 536 matched pairs were generated by 1:1 nearest-neighbour propensity-score matching without replacement using age and sex, with exact matching on adjacent diagnosis-related group (ADRG2). Outcomes were coded pneumothorax, coded pneumothorax requiring chest-tube drainage, length of stay, total hospital costs and reimbursement. Results: In the matched cohort, mean age was 68.2 ± 10.6 years after TTNB and 68.5 ± 10.4 years after ENB; the male-to-female ratio was 1.34 and 1.36, respectively. Coded pneumothorax occurred less frequently after ENB than after TTNB (4.1% vs. 13.1%); in matched-pair logistic regression, ENB was associated with lower odds of coded pneumothorax (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.17–0.47; p < 0.001). Coded pneumothorax requiring chest-tube drainage occurred in 3.4% versus 12.9%, respectively. Median length of stay was shorter after ENB (2 [IQR 1–4] vs. 3 [1–8] days; p < 0.001), whereas median hospital costs were higher (€5793 [4670–7466] vs. €3739 [1995–7514]; p < 0.001). Median reimbursement was €3366 in both groups (p = 0.186). Conclusions: In this German inpatient cohort, ENB was associated with fewer coded pleural complications and shorter hospital stays than TTNB, but with higher hospital costs despite similar reimbursement. These findings characterise system-specific inpatient resource use and do not establish comparative clinical superiority or cost-effectiveness.

(1) Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a relevant problem with a 25% incidence rate after elective laparotomy due to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether stricter hygienic measures during the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the rate of SSI. (2) Methods: This is a monocentric, retrospective cohort study comparing the rate of SSI in patients with bowel resection due to IBD during COVID-19 (1 March 2020–15 December 2021) to a cohort pre-COVID-19 (1 February 2015–25 May 2018). (3) Results: The rate of SSI in IBD patients with bowel resection was 25.8% during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to 31.8% pre-COVID-19 (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.40–2.20; p = 0.881). There were seventeen (17.5%) superficial and four (4.1%) deep incisional and organ/space SSIs, respectively, during the COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.216). There were more postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses during COVID-19 (7.2% vs. 0.9%; p = 0.021). The strictness of hygienic measures (mild, medium, strict) had no influence on the rate of SSI (p = 0.553). (4) Conclusions: Hygienic regulations in hospitals during COVID-19 did not significantly reduce the rate of SSI in patients with bowel resection due to IBD. A ban on surgery, whereby only emergency surgery was allowed, was likely to delay surgery and exacerbate the disease, which probably contributed to more SSIs and postoperative complications.

Introduction: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have an increased risk of acquiring severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is why self-isolation was recommended. However, long periods of social isolation, accompanied by limited access to health care systems, might influence the outcome of patients with severe COPD negatively. Methods: Data from COPD and pneumonia patients at Charite-Universitatsmedizin Berlin and the volume of endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) surgeries from the German Lung Emphysema Registry (Lungenemphysem Register e.V.) were analyzed from pre-pandemic (2012 to 2019) to the pandemic period (2020 and 2021). In addition, 52 patients with COPD Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage 4 status included in the lung emphysema registry received questionnaires during lockdowns from June 2020 to April 2021. Results: Admissions and ventilation therapies administered to COPD patients significantly decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Likewise, there was a reduction in ELVR treatments and follow-ups registered in German emphysema centers. Mortality was slightly higher among patients hospitalized with COPD during the pandemic. Increasing proportions of COPD patients with GOLD stage 3 and GOLD stage 4 status reported behavioral changes and subjective feelings of increasing COPD symptoms the longer the lockdown lasted. However, COPD symptom questionnaires revealed stable COPD symptoms over the pandemic time period. Summary: This study reveals reduced COPD admissions and elective treatment procedures of COPD patients during the pandemic, but a slight increase in mortality among patients hospitalized with COPD, irrespective of COVID-19. Correspondingly, patients with severe COPD reported subjective deterioration of their health status, probably caused by their very strict compliance with lockdown measures.

Zusammenfassung: Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Fachübergreifende Frührehabilitation (FR) ist die Anwendung einer intensiven rehabilitativen Intervention noch während der akutmedizinischen Behandlung im Krankenhaus. Nach der Einführung des Komplexkodes im Jahr 2005, dessen Mindestmerkmale im Operationen- und Prozedurenschlüssel detailliert festgelegt sind (OPS 8–559.-), stehen im DRG-System siebzehn separate Fallpauschalen zur Verfügung. Im DRG-Grouping zeigt sich jedoch eine sehr unterschiedliche Auswirkung im Kontext der auslösenden Behandlungsaspekte. Ziel war die Darstellung der DRG-Systematik zur fachübergreifenden Frührehabilitation und einer Umfrage zu Strukturmerkmalen unter bundesdeutschen Kliniken mit einer Abteilung für eine fachübergreifende Frührehabilitation. Methoden Die DRG-Systematik bei Anwendung der fachübergreifenden Frührehabilitation wurde exemplarisch dargestellt. Eine anonymisierte Umfrage zu Strukturmerkmalen und Kennzahlen zur DRG-Systematik wurde unter Kliniken mit entsprechender Fachabteilung durchgeführt. Ergebnisse Die DRG-Systematik unterscheidet in 2018 einerseits „klassische“ Fallpauschalen mit einem identischen Casemix zwischen unterer und oberer Grenzverweildauer und andererseits krankenhausindividuelle Entgelte für DRGs, die nicht mit einem Casemix in einer Fallpauschale vergütet werden. Unter den Fallpauschalen nehmen die Prä-MDC eine Sonderstellung ein. Die Klinik- Befragung ergab, dass die DRGs „Frührehabilitation bei Krankheiten und Störungen an Muskel-Skelett-System und Bindegewebe“ ohne (I40Z) und mit (I96Z) operativen Prozeduren die in 2018 am häufigsten abgerechneten DRGs in diesen Kliniken sind. Eine Mehrheit (7 von 10) der befragten Kliniken bietet zusätzlich noch eine neurologisch-neurochirurgische oder geriatrische Frührehabilitation an. Diskussion Patient:innen mit entsprechendem Bedarf haben einen im Sozialgesetz verankerten Anspruch auf Frührehabilitation noch im Akutkrankenhaus. Warum wird dieser Anspruch und auch der Bedarf so wenig konsequent umgesetzt? Sicher, die DRG-Systematik der fachübergreifenden Frührehabilitation ist komplex, gestaltet sich jedoch nach der hier dargestellten Systematik gut kalkulierbar.

Briefly before the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Berlin, Germany, schools closed in mid-March 2020. Following re-opening, schools resumed operation at a reduced level for nine weeks. During this phase, we aimed at assessing, among students and teachers, infection status, symptoms, individual behaviour, and institutional infection prevention measures. Twenty-four primary and secondary school classes, randomly selected across Berlin, were examined. Oro-nasopharyngeal swabs and capillary blood samples were collected to determine SARS-CoV-2 infection (PCR) and specific IgG (ELISA), respectively. Medical history, household characteristics, leisure activities, fear of infection, risk perception, hand hygiene, facemask wearing, and institutional preventive measures were assessed. Descriptive analysis was performed. Among 535 participants (385 students, 150 staff), one teenager was found to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 (0.2%), and seven individuals exhibited specific IgG (1.3%). Compared to pre-pandemic times, screen time (e.g., TV, gaming, social media) increased, and the majority of primary school students reported reduced physical activity (42.2%). Fear of infection and risk perception were relatively low, acceptance of adapted health behaviors was high. In this post-lockdown period of low SARS-CoV-2 incidence in Berlin, individual and school-level infection prevention measures were largely adhered to. Nevertheless, vigilance and continued preventive measures are essential to cope with future pandemic activity.

Background Briefly before the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Berlin, Germany, schools closed in mid-March 2020 for six weeks. Following re-opening, schools gradually resumed operation at a reduced level for nine weeks preceding the summer holidays. Aim During this phase, we conducted a situational assessment in schools among students and teachers as to infection status, symptoms, affective, behavioural, educational issues, and preventive measures. Methods At twenty-four randomly selected primary and secondary schools, one class each was examined. Oro-nasopharyngeal swabs and capillary blood samples were collected to assess SARS-CoV-2 infection (PCR) and specific IgG (ELISA), respectively. Medical history, household and schooling characteristics, leisure time activities, fear of infection, risk perception, hand hygiene, physical distancing, and facemask wearing were assessed. Results Among 535 participants (385 students, 150 staff), one teenager was SARS-CoV-2 infected (0.2%), and seven individuals exhibited specific IgG (1.3%); 16% reported symptoms upon examination, and 48% in the preceding 14 days. Compared to before the pandemic, the proportion of leisure time spent as screen-time increased, and the majority of primary school students reported reduced physical activity. Fear of infection and risk perception were relatively low, but acceptance of adapted health behaviours was high. Governmental preventive measures were adequately implemented, with primary schools performing better than secondary schools. Conclusion: In this phase of rare infection and low seroreactivity, individual and school-level infection prevention and control measures were largely adhered to. Nevertheless, vigilance, continued and proactive preventive measures, and well-rehearsed reaction options are essential to cope with increasing pandemic activity.

Die Notärztin wurde Ende Januar zur „plötzlichen Bewusstlosigkeit“ im nahegelegenen Bahnhof alarmiert. Mitarbeiter des Bahnhofs hatten einen auf einer Bank liegenden Mann entdeckt, der auf Ansprache und sanftes Rütteln keine Reaktion zeigte. Von der bereits anwesenden RTW-Besatzung waren eine pulsoxymetrische Sättigung von 92 %, ein Blutzucker von 110 mg/dl, ein Blutdruck von 95 /65 mm Hg und eine Herzfrequenz von 60/min ermittelt worden.

Incisional hernia is a frequent complication in abdominal surgery. This article describes the development of a prospective randomized clinical trial designed to determine whether watchful waiting is an acceptable alternative to surgical repair for patients with oligosymptomatic incisional hernia. This clinical multicenter trial has been designed to compare watchful waiting and surgical repair for patients with oligosymptomatic incisional hernia. Participants are randomized to watchful waiting or surgery and followed up for two years. The primary efficacy endpoint is pain/discomfort during normal activities as a result of the hernia or hernia repair two years after enrolment, as measured by the hernia-specific Surgical Pain Scales (SPS). The target sample size of six hundred thirty-six patients was calculated to detect non-inferiority of the experimental intervention (watchful waiting) in the primary endpoint. Sixteen surgical centers will take part in the study and have submitted their declaration of commitment giving the estimated number of participating patients per year. A three-person data safety monitoring board will meet annually to monitor and supervise the trial. To date, we could find no published data on the natural course of incisional hernias. To our knowledge, watchful waiting has never been compared to standard surgical repair as a treatment option for incisional hernias. A trial to compare the outcome of the two approaches in patients with oligosymptomatic incisional hernias is urgently needed to provide data that can facilitate the choice between treatment options. If watchful waiting was equal to surgical repair, the high costs of surgical repair could be saved. The design for such a trial is described here. This multicenter trial will be funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The ethics committee of the Charité has approved the study protocol. Approval has been obtained from ten study sites at time of this submission. The electronic Case Report Forms have been created. The first patient was to be randomized November 14^th, 2011. An initiation meeting took place in Berlin January 9^th, 2012. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01349400