Quality control of colorectal surgery with an extensive complication registration system.

Background/Aims: Since 1996, a standard registration is used to obtain a clear understanding of the complications that occur after colorectal surgery. In our registration system the cause of a complication and the detrimental effect to the patient’s health are coded. Methods: The treatment of colorectal diseases was evaluated to analyze the quality of medical care. Results: From 1996 to 2000, a total of 169 complications were documented in 108 of the 353 patients operated on. Leakage of the anastomosis occurred in 22 cases (6%) and wound infection occurred in 11 cases (3%). Most of the complications required no or little medical attention (n = 101, 59%). 51% of the complications could be attributed to the physical condition of the patient. Surgical complications were the cause in 31% of the cases and management problems in 16% of the cases. Conclusion: A registration system provides good insight into the frequency and severity of the complications after colorectal surgery. Extensive registration is mandatory to provide reliable information, comparing the results year by year. This provides the basis for continuous improvement of medical protocols on the surgical ward.