ASSURANCE OF QUALITY IN SURGERY FOR COLOR ECTAL-CANCER

In the period of time between September 1, 1991 and August 31, 1993 a total of 1927 patients at 22 East German hospitals were operated for c olorectal carcinoma. In anticipation of quality assuring aspects these surgeries were registered and interpreted. An application of a consta nt classification (pTNM, R-classification) at this was essential. The resection rates of 87.3 % on the colon (R0-resections 74.4 %) and of 8 3.1 % on the rectum (R0-resection 70.8 %) were established in total pa tient group. Preoperative measures and technique of surgery were also registered. The rate of the colonic anastomosis insufficiencies was ab out 3.2 %, resp. of the rectum 8.2 %. Wound suppurations occurred afte r surgery of the colon in 6.5 % of the cases, resp. the rectum in 9.9 %. The postoperative mortality was 7.1 % in the overall patient group. The practical realization and the efficiency of studies for quality a ssurance is pointed out.