This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Registration and validity of surgical complications in colorectal cancer surgery. BJS 2003; 90: 454-459.
Published: 10th January 2003
Authors: U. Gunnarsson, E. Seligsohn, P. Jestin, L. Påhlman
Background
Population‐based quality registers have become an important tool in quality assessment during the past decade. For registers to be reliable, however, data must be checked carefully for validity.
Method
The present study describes the validity of surgical complications registered in a national register run by the National Board of Health and Welfare (NBH), a register run by Regional Oncological Centres (ROC) and, for comparison, a local quality assurance system at Uppsala University Hospital (UUH). A specialized, independent surgeon checked 10 per cent of patient records against datasheets from the registers.
Results
The local quality assurance system at UUH showed the best validity for surgical complications. Data for complications of colonic cancer surgery were more valid than those for rectal cancer surgery. Registration of serious complications was more valid than that of wound infections. The calculated proportion of missed surgical complications was 0·69, 0·64, 0·40, 0·22 and 0·07 for rectal and colonic cancer in the NBH register, rectal and colonic cancer in the ROC register, and the UUH register respectively. Corresponding figures for reoperation were 0·45, 0·48, 0·04, 0·09 and 0·21.
Conclusion
Local interest and routine use of data for quality assurance are crucial factors for valid registers. Careful monitoring of validity is necessary for use of registry data in structured systems for improvement of surgical results. Copyright © 2003 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
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