[Surgical quality assurance exemplified by surgical therapy of colorectal carcinoma].

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 colorectal carcinoma. In anticipation of quality assuring aspects these surgeries were registered and interpreted. An application of a constant classification (pTNM, R-classification) at this was essential. The resection rates of 87.3% on the colon (R0-resections 74.4%) and of 83.1% on the rectum (R0-resection 70.8%) were established in total patient group. Preoperative measures and technique of surgery were also registered. The rate of the colonic anastomosis insufficiencies was about 3.2%, resp. of the rectum 8.2%. Wound suppurations occurred after 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 assurance is pointed out.