Quality of medical care in colorectal cancer in Germany.

Background: To investigate recent developments in therapeutic approaches, we examine the quality of and discuss current trends in the routine treatment of colorectal cancer in Germany.

Material And Methods: We conducted a prospective, multicentre, country-wide observational study in Germany at a representative number of hospitals providing care at all levels.

Results: The perioperative morbidity and mortality rates were found not to have changed for a given risk profile of patient and tumour characteristics. The resection rates and long-term oncological results achieved in clinical routine are comparable with those reported in the current literature for colorectal cancer. The quality of care of rectal carcinoma patients has improved significantly, as measured by perioperative oncosurgical criteria (abdominoperineal resection rate, total mesorectal excision rate and quality, and proportion of neoadjuvant procedures).

Conclusion: At present, it remains to be seen whether these factors will lead to a further improvement in long-term results (e.g. rates of local recurrence), and this will require further critical analysis.