DOCUMENTATION OF THE SURGICAL-PROCEDURE - A TOOL FOR QUALITY ASSESSMENT FOR BREAST CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT

In literature a lot of different approaches for breast conservation su rgery have been recommended. Until now little prospective research has been done to identify the role of these variations on outcome. Within a group of surgeons participating in the same clinical trials, which give a number of specific directions, already a lot of variations in t echniques al-e detected This pinpoints two questions: firstly, what di fferences could be detected in non specialised general practices and s econdly, which of those variations are important to be standardised. T he documentation of the predetermined important technical factors and the development of clear guidelines for surgery are essential to imple ment a process of quality audit. This will probably be the best stimul us to raise treatment quality in breast cancer patients.