Establishing a non-intubated thoracoscopic surgery programme for bilateral uniportal sympathectomy

Techniques for local anaesthesia and thoracoscopic surgery on a spontaneously breathing lung are the two key elements that must be adopted to establish a non-intubated, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery programme.

A curious association of chronic homeopathic arsenic ingestion with nonspecific symptoms in a Swiss teenager

Hahnemann’s homeopathic concept does not work for a substance such as arsenic. Since there is no safe dose for inorganic arsenic, sustained oral exposure even at ultra-low levels can be toxic.

Outcome of inter-hospital transfer of patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in Switzerland

This study reports the results of the largest ECMO transportation programme in Switzerland and describes its feasibility and safety.

Association between income and control of cardiovascular risk factors after acute coronary syndromes: an observational study

Universal health insurance coverage may limit the impact of income inequality regarding drug use after an acute coronary syndrome, but not regarding changes in lifestyle and behaviour.

Characteristics of children and adolescents at the Switzerland-wide first ambulatory interdisciplinary pain clinic at the University Children’s Hospital Basel – a retrospective study

Given the long history of underestimating chronic pain in children and adolescents, we lack valid data on its assessment and treatment. The psychological and economic burden for patients, their families and society is substantial.

Negligible impact of highly patient-specific decision support for potassium-increasing drug-drug interactions – a cluster-randomised controlled trial

Clinical decision support systems have been developed to automatically ­detect potential drug-drug interactions and inform the healthcare providers. However, providers may view automated notifications as annoying and override them.