Mortality after Colon Surgery: The Value of a Mortality Registration System

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Postoperative mortality after colon surgery is relatively infrequent. In order to evaluate the quality of colon surgery, post-mortem evaluation is useful. This study was performed to determine the value of a mortality register used at the Department of Surgery of the Red Cross Hospital. METHODS: From 1991 to 2000, 882 colon resections were performed for both malignant and benign disorders, including elective and emergency surgery. Permission for autopsy was asked routinely. All cases were reviewed and categorized in a multidisciplinary meeting. Any discrepancy between the clinical and post-mortem diagnosis was determined by a pathologist. RESULTS: The mortality rate of colon surgery was 8.0% (n = 71), 23% for emergency surgery and 6% for elective surgery (p < 0.001). For patients under 70 years of age the mortality rate was 4.3%, for patients over 70 years of age 11.2% (p < 0.001). Autopsy was performed in 62% (n = 44) of the patients. Discrepancy between clinical and post-mortem findings was documented in 14%. CONCLUSION: Postoperative mortality after colon surgery is influenced by the timing of surgery (elective or emergency procedure) and the age of the patient. A discrepancy of 14% between clinical cause of death and post-mortem cause of death justifies the need for obtaining autopsy in this type of surgery.