The effect of longer epidural duration after open pancreaticoduodenectomy on pain and mobilisation: A retrospective single-centre analysis.

Background: The optimal length of epidural use following open pancreaticoduodenectomy has not been defined. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the length of patient-controlled epidural analgesia affected pain and ability to mobilise on epidural termination following open pancreaticoduodenectomy in the context of enhanced recovery after surgery.

Methods: A retrospective single-centre cohort analysis was performed between November 2015 and December 2021 on patients who underwent open pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Early detection of COVID-19 outbreaks using textual analysis of electronic medical records.

Purpose: Our objective was to develop a tool promoting early detection of COVID-19 cases by focusing epidemiological investigations and PCR examinations during a period of limited testing capabilities.

Methods: We developed an algorithm for analyzing medical records recorded by healthcare providers in the Israeli Defense Forces. The algorithm utilized textual analysis to detect patients presenting with suspicious symptoms and was tested among 92 randomly selected units.

Composite Criteria for Non-Operative Management of Acute Non-Complicated Appendicitis Result in Low Failure Rates.

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the outcomes of conservative management of non-complicated acute appendicitis (AA) using our unique institutional protocol, and to compare between these and the outcomes of operative management.

Methods: Patients admitted to our institution between March 2016 and October 2019 with non-complicated AA were grouped according to their initial management: non-operative versus surgical. Our unique protocol for non-operative management includes: pain < 3 days; afebrile upon admission; non-gravid; WBC <15,000 (× 10/L); CRP < 5 mg/dl; appendix diameter < 1 cm; no appendicolith on imaging; no prior episode of AA; no history of Inflammatory Bowel Disease; no evidence of peritonitis on physical examination.

The Decreasing Incidence of Acute Appendicitis During COVID-19: A Retrospective Multi-centre Study.

Background: As the novel coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) spreads, a decrease in the number of patients with acute appendicitis (AA) has been noted in our institutions. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence and severity of AA before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed between December 2019 and April 2020 in the four high-volume centres that provide health care to the municipality of Jerusalem, Israel.