[Statutory provisions, aims, motives, attitudes and thinking on the outpatient operation profile of general and abdominal surgery]. / Vorgaben, Zielvorstellungen, Motive, Haltungen und Denken zum ambulanten Operationsprofil der Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie.

AIM: The aim of the manuscript is to discuss and assess the implications and opportunities as well as dangers of "outpatientization" of surgical and inpatient services for general and abdominal surgery. METHOD: Narrative overview with literature reference based on a PubMed search with the search terms: outpatient operations and inpatient interventions, AOP catalog, hybrid DRG, outpatient hernia surgery, outpatient proctological surgery, selective sector-equal reimbursement and day-care forms of care. RESULTS (KEY POINTS): - In the Anglo-American area, the treatment of inguinal hernias is predominantly carried out on an outpatient clinic basis. In the USA, Sweden and Denmark, for example, over 70% of all hernias are treated in an outpatient clinic setting, in Germany it is only 20%. In Germany, the catalog of operations that can be performed on an outpatient basis and other department-replacing interventions in hospitals defines outpatient interventions in accordance with § 115b Social Security Code (SGB) V (Germany). - The conversion from inpatient to outpatient hernia surgery has also failed so far due to an enormous difference in revenues. According to the will of the Federal Ministry of Health, the planned forms of semistationary care are intended to relieve the nursing staff in the hospitals and thus relieve the tense situation of nursing professionals. By the end of March 2023, a special industry-specific reimbursement, so-called hybrid DRGs, is to be agreed, which applies regardless of whether a paid service is provided on an outpatient or inpatient basis. - According to § 115b SGB V, whether a hernia can be performed under inpatient or outpatient conditions is also decided according to the location of the hernia. In the new AOP catalog, frailty is operationalized in the context factors via the degree of care and the Barthel index. If one compares the number of encryption procedures for the 5­530 procedure (closure of an inguinal hernia) in 2005 (184,679) with the pre-corona year 2019 (179,851), it can be seen that the proportion of hernias treated in hospital remained approximately the same over a period of 14 years. - Most elective proctological procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis. For reasons of safety (bleeding) and practicality (pain management, dressing change of large abscesses), inpatient surgery is preferred: extensive hemorrhoidectomy in the case of massive findings, large abscesses, extensive perianal fistula corrections, particularly high transsphincteric or suprasphincteric fistulas. - Guidelines based on the British Guidelines for Ambulant Surgery should be required for comprehensive outpatient treatment in surgery. The introduction of corresponding hybrid DRGs seems to be the right way to cover the costs of outpatient surgery in hospitals. CONCLUSION: The restructuring of the hospital landscape and the nationwide expansion of outpatient operations is an unavoidable requirement in view of rising costs in the healthcare system and impending financing bottlenecks, which will pose challenges for the surgical disciplines in the years to come. Outpatient surgery is already practiced in many areas but has not become established due to the different remuneration. The flat rates for the same branches can be a starting point here. Furthermore, evidence-based framework conditions must be created along the lines of the British Guidelines for Ambulant Surgery.

Correction to: Prognostic Assessment of Non-functioning Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Neoplasms as a Basis for Risk-Adapted Resection Strategies.

This article contains parts of the doctoral thesis of F. Meyer.

Prognostic Assessment of Non-functioning Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Neoplasms as a Basis for Risk-Adapted Resection Strategies.

BACKGROUND: In contrast to exocrine pancreatic carcinomas, prognosis and treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNEN) are significantly different. The variable growth pattern and associated clinical situation of functioning and non-functioning PNEN demand an individualized surgical approach. However, due to the scarce evidence associated with the rare disease, guidelines lack detailed recommendations for indication and for the required extent of surgical resection. METHODS: In a retrospective single-center study from 1990 to 2018, 239 patients with PNEN were identified. Clinical data were collected in the MaDoc database of the University Medical Center Mainz. A total of 155 non-functional PNEN were selected for further analysis. RESULTS: According to the classification of NET by the WHO in 2017, 28.8% (n = 40) of the tumors were G1, 61.9% (n = 86) G2, and 9.4% (n = 13) G3. In 73 patients, hepatic metastases were present. Sixty patients had lymph node metastasis. An R0 resection was achieved in 98 cases, an R1 situation in 10 cases. Five times, a tumor debulking was carried out (R2) and 5 times the operation was aborted without any resection because of the advanced tumor stage. A relapse occurred in 29 patients. Different prognostic factors (grade, tumor size, age) were analyzed. Grade-dependent 10-year overall survival rates were 79.5% (grade 1) and 60.1% (grade 2), respectively. The survival rate of grade 3 patients was limited to 66.7% after 13 months. CONCLUSION: In our study, patients with non-functioning PNEN had a longer overall survival after successful R0 resection. The risk analysis confirmed a Ki-67 cutoff value of 5%, which divided a high- and low-risk group. Patients with a PNEC G3 (Ki-67 index > 50%) had a very poor prognosis.

[Hazard assessment and occupational safety measures in surgery : Relevant knowledge on occupational medicine]. / Gefährdungsbeurteilung und Arbeitsschutzmaßnahmen in der Chirurgie : Relevantes Wissen über die Arbeitsmedizin.

Surgeons routinely work in an environment with occupational risks and hazards about which they are often uninformed. Based on the currently available scientific literature this review article describes the various hazards in the operating theater and their effects on personnel, particularly from the surgical perspective. A further aim of this article is to describe the occupational safety measures to reduce the burdens and to maintain the long-term health of personnel. Ultimately, surgeons should be equipped with the necessary knowledge for implementing hazard assessments according to the German Occupational Health and Safety Act. Surgeons are exposed to increased risks and hazards by working in awkward positions with a high risk for musculoskeletal pain and injuries. They are also commonly exposed to inhalational anesthetics, surgical smoke, radiation, noise and infectious agents. Furthermore, the mental and emotional stress associated with these activities is also high. Meaningful occupational safety measures for reduction of burdens are from a technical aspect the installation of effective air extraction systems, measures to reduce exposure to radiation and noise and the use of safer instruments to prevent needle stick injuries. Furthermore, individual occupational safety measures, such as the use of personal protective equipment (e.g. radiation protective clothing and double gloves) must be observed. The consistent implementation and also adherence to these described occupational safety measures and regulations can reduce the burden on operating theater personnel and contribute to maintaining health. Furthermore, periodic preventive healthcare controls and health checks by the company medical officer and individually initiated additional prevention measures can be a sensible augmentation to these safety measures.

[Medical Rehabilitation in Gastrointestinal Oncology]. / Onkologische Rehabilitation bei gastrointestinalen Tumorerkrankungen.

BACKGROUND: The demographic change of the human population comes along with an increasing aging, a rise of chronic diseases, particular carcinosis, as well as the need for prolonged working life times. This causes big challenges for the public health systems, primarily in the field of surgery. In this respect, oncological rehabilitation has an important supporting function. Its mission is to reintegrate the patient after surgery back into domestic, social and professional life. This article covers the most significant questions for rehabilitation of gastrointestinal oncology. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to illustrate the legal foundations and routes to access oncological rehabilitation as well as to provide a survey of the contents of oncological rehabilitation with a special emphasis on gastrointestinal tumours. METHOD: We surveyed experience in clinical rehabilitation by means of an appropriate literature search. Key Findings and Conclusions: Oncological rehabilitation is anchored in social legislation. The terms of reference are different from those of an acute hospital. Apart from the treatment of numerous specific somatic problems, both psycho-oncological care and social-medical consultation and evaluation are centrally important tasks.

[How do I assess requirement of a blood bank and its kind for a healthcare establishment?]. / Comment j'évalue la nécessité d'un dépôt de sang et son type pour un établissement de santé ?

Access to blood components is required for healthcare establishments, particularly for emergency situation and hospital blood bank was often a response to this requirement. However, the complexity of regulation and economic pressures lead healthcare establishment to review regularly their need for a blood bank. This assessment requires analysis of need for transfusions in terms of delay, quantity and clinical situations to which they must respond. When a blood bank is required, three kinds could be under consideration: emergency blood bank, intermediate blood bank and issuance blood bank. According to requirements, advantages and disadvantages of each kind, healthcare establishments would select the most suitable one.

[Multicenter Ozurdex® assessment for diabetic macular edema: MOZART study]. / Étude rétrospective du traitement par Ozurdex® dans l'œdème maculaire diabétique: MOZART study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficiency and safety of intravitreal implant of 0.7mg dexamathasone in visual impairment due to diabetic macular edema (DME). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective, multicenter, study. Seventy-four patients, with a mean age of 65 years, followed for at least 6 months (mean follow-up: 9.8 months) were included in 5 French eye clinics (P 1.5 collective). The mean systolic blood pressure was 138mmHg and the mean HbA1c was 7.2%. We monitored 2 systemic parameters: blood pressure and glycemic balance. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT, Spectralis OCT), intraocular pressure (IOP) and cataract progression are studied at baseline and then at 1, 2, 4 and 6 months. RESULTS: The average CRT decrease was: 239µm at month 2 (M2) and 135µm at month 6 (M6). The mean improvement from baseline of BCVA is 8.5 letters at M2 and 7.6 letters at M6. A gain greater than 15 letters is found in 27% of patients at M6. For naive patients the BCVA is 71 letters versus 60 letters (P<0.05). Patients with a baseline CRT <500mmHg have a BCVA of 66 letters versus 57 letters (P<0.05). The mean rate injections was 1.2 at 6 months with an average of 5.4 months for reinjection. Ocular hypertension greater than 25mmHg, managed by topical treatment, is observed in 13.4% of patients. No glaucoma surgery was necessary. CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone has an anatomical and functional effectiveness in the treatment of DME. Outcomes for naive patients and lower CRT suggest that the duration of diabetes mellitus and previous treatments are negative factors of recovery. Side effects are rare and manageable. Ozurdex(®) seems to be a treatment for visual impairment due to DME with a favorable safety profile. Patient follow-up must be adapted to half-life of the product with a control before M1 (intraocular pressure) and before M5 (DME recurrence, BCVA).

[Hernia repair at the groin - who undergoes which surgical intervention?]. / Leistenhernienreparation - Wo wird wie operiert?

BACKGROUND: Within the Guidelines of the European Hernia Society (EHS), there are disctinct statements about where and how inguinal hernia has to be surgically approached. In ASA-I and -II patients, it is recommended to perform the operation in an outpatient clinic setting. Male patients older than 30 years of age should undergo preferably surgical intervention using a mesh. In this context, there are two basic questions: "Are these recommendations already implemented in daily surgical practice (?)" and "Are these guidelines the road to success (?)", which are to be commented based on i) data from two registries, ii) data obtained in the surgical practice of the first author and iii) a selective literature search. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analysis was made of prospectively obtained data from two German registries (Herniamed registry [H-med]; Quality Assurance Inguinal Hernia Registry [QIHR]) and a consecutive and representative patient cohort of a single surgical practice [Surg-Pract] specialised in hernia surgery. Main results and concluding remarks are discussed in light of data reported in the literature. RESULTS: Proportions of hernia repair in an outpatient clinic setting were substantially different among the 3 groups (as follows): H-med (22.3 %), QIHR (62.7 %), Surg-Pract (80.5 %) whereas the percentages of ASA-I and -II patients differed only slightly: H-med (83.4 %), QIHR (89.5 %) and Surg-Pract (88.3 %). Recurrency rates after 12 months were 0.6 % (QIHR) and 0.7 % (Surg-Pract), respectively. In Surg-Pract, for 30 % of hernia repairs, "only" suturing for reconstruction was used. CONCLUSION: In ASA-I and -II patients, a substantial proportion of individuals can be surgically treated in an outpatient clinic setting with no disadvantages regarding high surgical quality and favourable outcome. Data from the national H-med indicated a much lower percentage of such patients than internationally reported and, in addition, a disproportionately high rate of endoscopic procedures. Moreover, reimbursement for hernia repair in an outpatient clinic setting is much worse in Germany compared with international standards, and, interestingly, there is by a factor of 1/3 an above average number of hospital beds in Germany compared with the OECD countries.

[The acute (surgical) abdomen - epidemiology, diagnosis and general principles of management]. / Das akute (chirurgische) Abdomen - Epidemiologie, Diagnostik und allgemeine Prinzipien des Managements.

AIM: This review comments on epidemiology, diagnosis and general principles of surgical management in patients with acute abdomen. DEFINITION AND EPIDEMIOLOGY: The most common cause of acute abdominal pain is non-specific abdominal pain (24 - 44.3 % of the study populations), followed by acute appendicitis (15.9 - 28.1 %), acute biliary disease (2.9 - 9.7 %) and bowel obstruction or diverticulitits in elderly patients. Acute appendicitis represents the cause of surgical intervention in two-thirds of the children with acute abdomen. DIAGNOSIS: A standardised physical examination combined with ultrasonography (US) represents the initial investigation in patients with acute abdominal pain. Due to the risk associated with radiation and due to the costs, a selective use of CT imaging is recommended. The work-flow given in this paper restricts the use of CT imaging to less than 50 % of patients with acute abdominal pain. Diagnostic laparoscopy should be considered in patients without a specific diagnosis after appropriate imaging and as an alternative to active clinical observation which is the current practice in patients with non-specific abdominal pain. MANAGEMENT: Acute small bowel obstruction has previously been considered as a relative contraindication for laparoscopic management, but it has been shown in the meantime that laparoscopic treatment is an elegant tool for the management of simple band small bowel obstruction. Bedside diagnostic laparoscopy is recommended in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute abdomen or sepsis of unknown origin, in suspicion of acute cholecystitis, diffuse gut hypoperfusion and mesenteric ischaemia or in refractory lactic acidosis, especially after cardiac surgery. Early administration of analgesia to patients with acute abdominal pain in the emergency department will reduce the patient's discomfort without impairing clinically important diagnostic accuracy and is recommended on the basis of some prospective randomised trials. However, the impact on diagnostic accuracy depends on dosage, kind of application and cause of acute abdominal pain. A practice of judicious provision of analgesia therefore appears safe. There are significant differences between the knowledge of the current literature and the routine practice of providing analgesia as a survey has shown demonstrating that less than 50 % of paediatric emergency physicians and paediatric surgeons are usually willing to provide analgesia before definitive diagnosis.

[Comparative evaluation of methods to determine efficiency potentials in drug utilisation]. / Vergleichende Bewertung von Methoden zur Ermittlung von Effizienzreserven in der Arzneimittelversorgung.

BACKGROUND: Discussions in health-care policy frequently pursue a raising efficiency in drug utilisation. Therefore saving potentials are quantified based on health insurance company claims data. This article is a contribution to methodical discussions about the determination of saving potentials in drug utilisation. METHODS: Based on claims data from the health insurance company Gmuender ErsatzKasse (GEK) of 2005, four different methods to calculate efficiency potentials in the generic drug market are presented. The different effects are illustrated for the example of Omeprazol. RESULTS: Depending on the used methods, different estimates, abstractions and varied information are required. In the given example the identified increase in efficiency varies between 741,000 Euro and 165,000 Euro (80%). According to the used method, saving potentials range between 2.9% and 13.1% as measured by the total expenditure for Omeprazol. CONCLUSION: The amount and the pertinence of saving potentials in theory are highly dependent on underlying assumptions and used methods. Calculations on the level of several drugs should, in the best case, occur at the time of prescription under consideration of drug prices. A detailed methods description is required for an appropriate outcome evaluation.

[Magnitude and strategies of cataract management in the world]. / Magnitude et strategies de prise en charge de la cataracte dans le monde.

Although cataracts cause 47% of global blindness, their epidemiologic impact in different countries is notoriously uneven and the world can be divided into two zones according to economic conditions. In advanced countries where care is good, cataracts account for only 5% of blindness while cataracts still account for 50% of blindness in developing countries. After a brief overview of historical, clinical and therapeutic aspects, this article updates epidemiological data on cataracts in the world. It also provides insight into political, socio-economic, and cultural factors adversely affecting care availability in developing countries thus making cataracts a major public health problem and an obstacle for development. Finally this article offers a few recommendations for reducing the backlog of cataracts in the world and for consolidating advances made over the last two decades thanks to experience gained in various National Blindness Prevention Programs (NBPP).

[Inhalative application devices for patients suffering from asthma bronchiale]. / Inhalative Applikationsformen bei Asthma bronchiale und COPD.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. It is caused by infiltration of eosinophils, mast cells, and CD4+ -T-lymphocytes which leads to variable airway obstruction. The core element of therapy is to control inflammation, which is best possible with inhaled steroids, the so-called controller drugs. Cromones are only second line therapeutic agents because they are not powerful enough for optimal inflammation control. Reliever drugs like beta2-agonists or anticholinergic agents serve as a symptomatic medication because they only lead to bronchial dilatation. The inflammation in COPD is caused by neutrophils, macrophages and CD8+ -T-lymphocytes. This kind of inflammation causes an irreversible airway obstruction accompanied by destruction of the lung parenchyma. By the majority, only symptomatic medication is effective for COPD, like anticholinergic agents and beta2-agonists. About 10-20% of patients with COPD are showing improvement when treated with inhaled steroids. However, the best treatment result is only guaranteed by optimal application of the medication. The most important barrier is an insufficient coordination between manual use of the inhaling system and inhalation. Various attempts are made to solve this problem, thus leading to a huge variety of application systems. However this also leads to confusion of patients and doctors because it is difficult to choose the optimal system and to use it in the most efficient way. This article provides an overview of the different application systems and compiles important details to facilitate the optimal application of inhalation therapy by the patient.

[Experiences with ambulatory arteriovenous shunt surgery. A cost-benefit analysis]. / Erfahrungen mit der ambulanten arteriovenösen Shuntchirurgie. Eine Kosten-Nutzen-Analyse.

Placement of arteriovenous (av) fistulas has been executed at the reporting surgical department for 3 years. Calculation of the reimbursement by the insurance companies is based on the so-called "Unique Evaluation Table" (Einheitlicher Bewertungsmassstab). The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of the placement of av fistulas in an out-patient setting and the acceptance of this approach in the patients. The costs based on an average of the duration of the intervention and treatment at the out-patient clinic per time unit for surgeon, nurse and operating room, as well as costs for use of specific materials were listed, summarized, and compared with the amount of money which was reimbursed by the insurance companies according to the "Unique Evaluation Table". During the 3-year time period, 67 patients underwent 70 placements of av fistulas in an out-patient setting (in total, 532 interventions). Patients answered a questionnaire, and procedures were evaluated for average costs. Based on the table-dependent reimbursement of DM 274.00 (according to the "Unique Evaluation Table"), costs of DM 497.94 (DM 445.50 for 54 min of mean duration of surgical procedure plus DM 52.44 for materials) were determined, indicating that no full reimbursement was found despite the fact that there was only a minimal rate of early complications (thrombosis, n = 2 [3%]) (infection, n = 1 [1.5%]). The expenses were 81.7% on average above the level of the reimbursement. In conclusion, despite high acceptance of an out-patient setting for placement of av fistulas in patients (82%), it is not efficient from an economic point of view and can be only provided for specifically selected cases. Therefore, it is not advisable at present to place av fistulas at German out-patient clinics with no following admission of the patients, to avoid financial disadvantages for the surgical department. New negotiations between the medical profession and the insurance companies are urgently needed to ensure an improved financial outcome for the clinics.

[Communication and transparency concerning risk-benefit analysis in public health: the example of medication]. / Communication et transparence de l'évaluation du risque et bénéfice en santé publique: exemple du médicament.

As far as communication of the evaluation of risk benefit assessment of medications is concerned, validated and interpreted data only have to be taken into account. Free access to information by the public has to be considered seriously and there is now a real and strong demand. This situation has to be viewed in parallel with the huge development of websites communicating information on health issues. This report summarizes the discussion between the authorities and pharmaceutical companies and reports the different concrete proposals that emerged.

Assessment of functional MR imaging in neurosurgical planning.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Presurgical sensorimotor mapping with functional MR imaging is gaining acceptance in clinical practice; however, to our knowledge, its therapeutic efficacy has not been assessed in a sizable group of patients. Our goal was to identify how preoperative sensorimotor functional studies were used to guide the treatment of neuro-oncologic and epilepsy surgery patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 46 patients who had undergone preoperative sensorimotor functional MR imaging to document how often and in what ways the imaging studies had influenced their management. Clinical management decisions were grouped into three categories: for assessing the feasibility of surgical resection, for surgical planning, and for selecting patients for invasive functional mapping procedures. RESULTS: Functional MR imaging studies successfully identified the functional central sulcus ipsilateral to the abnormality in 32 of the 46 patients, and these 32 patients are the focus of this report. In epilepsy surgery candidates, the functional MR imaging results were used to determine in part the feasibility of a proposed surgical resection in 70% of patients, to aid in surgical planning in 43%, and to select patients for invasive surgical functional mapping in 52%. In tumor patients, the functional MR imaging results were used to determine in part the feasibility of surgical resection in 55%, to aid in surgical planning in 22%, and to select patients for invasive surgical functional mapping in 78%. Overall, functional MR imaging studies were used in one or more of the three clinical decision-making categories in 89% of tumor patients and 91% of epilepsy surgery patients. CONCLUSION: Preoperative functional MR imaging is useful to clinicians at three key stages in the preoperative clinical management paradigm of a substantial percentage of patients who are being considered for resective tumor or epilepsy surgery.

Screening for colorectal cancer with flexible sigmoidoscopy by nonphysician endoscopists.

PURPOSE: Screening with sigmoidoscopy reduces the risk of death from colorectal cancer. Only 30% of eligible patients have undergone sigmoidoscopy, in part because of a limited supply of endoscopists. We evaluated the performance and safety of screening sigmoidoscopic examinations by trained nonphysician endoscopists in comparison with board-certified gastroenterologists. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Asymptomatic patients 50 years or older without evidence of fecal occult blood and no personal history or family history of a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer under age 55 years were offered sigmoidoscopy. All examinations were performed either by a gastroenterologist or a trained nonphysician endoscopist at a staff model health maintenance organization. Outcomes included the depth of examination, number and histology of polyps, and complications. RESULTS: Nonphysicians performed 2,323 sigmoidoscopic examinations, and physicians performed 1,378 examinations. The mean (+/-SD) depth of sigmoidoscopy examinations performed by nonphysicians was 52 +/- 10 cm compared with 55 +/- 9 cm (P <0.001) in physicians. Nonphysicians detected neoplastic polyps in a greater proportion of patients (7.8%) than physicians (5.8%), but this difference was not significant after adjusting for differences in the age, sex, and family history of the patients (P = 0.35). No major complications occurred. The cost per examination, including the nonphysician training cost, was lower for nonphysicians ($186 per examination) than for physicians ($283 per examination). CONCLUSIONS: Appropriately trained nonphysicians may be capable of performing safe and effective screening for colorectal cancer with flexible sigmoidoscopy. An increased use of nonphysicians to perform sigmoidoscopy may increase the availability and reduce the cost of the procedure.

Determination of user requirements for the secure communication of electronic medical record information.

Health professionals need to have accurate patient data in order to make the right diagnosis and to give an optimal treatment. In many cases, the 'medical' record, whether in electronic form or paper form is distributed over several health care providers and health care enterprises. Technically, there are several ways to provide access to remote record information or parts thereof. Legislation however puts restrictions on the communication of personal information in order to protect the privacy of the patient. This paper gives an overview of requirements and constraints when communicating electronic medical record information and summarises the findings of the SEMRIC project in determining requirements from a number of practical cases.

[Determining diagnosis and therapy control of hypertension by time-limited loan of blood pressure monitors to patients. A report of experiences with acceptance and practical applications of the procedure in general practice]. / Diagnosefindung und Therapiekontrolle der Hypertonie durch den zeitlich begrenzten Verleih von Blutdruckmessgeräten an Patienten. Ein Erfahrungsbericht zur Akzeptanz und Praktikabilität des Verfahrens aus der Allgemeinpraxis.

Data from an investigation on acceptance and practicability of a temporary self assessment of blood pressure values including 181 patients of a rural practise are presented. Cooperation of the total collective was surprisingly good although particularly those patients with most risk factors revealed deficits in fulfilling the preconceived goals. Compared to 24 hour blood pressure monitoring total drop out rate in the self assessment group was lower (6.6%) although the requirement for involvement and cooperation was increased in this group. On an average about 39 blood pressure measurements have been performed by each patient. In the protocol six measurements per day over a period of 8 days were scheduled, amounting to a total number of single data recorded by experience of other authors to be sufficient for a valid assessment of the real blood pressure situation of each patient. In view of this proof of a satisfying cooperation and the relatively low costs of this method we believe that, according to our personal experience, this method (temporary blood pressure monitoring with rented blood pressure apparatus) may be recommended to every family doctor interested in adequate blood pressure diagnosis. As the investigation demonstrated the efforts caused by this method are low and do not interfere with usual activities in the office of a family doctor. On the other hand the pedagogic effect on the patient may not be underestimated.