[Gastric resection for cancer in Denmark, 1999-2004]

Abstract

Introduction: We evaluated the organisation, management and outcome for patients operated on with gastric resection for cancer in Denmark in the period 1999-2003.

Materials and methods: Nationwide data based on the National Patient Registry and discharge information from hospital departments in the period 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2003 were analysed.

Results: Thirty-seven departments performed 537 resections, with an average of 20 departments per year performing such operations. Five departments performed 57.2% of the operations, while 20 departments performed 10.2%. The average postoperative stay was 18 days and the hospital mortality rate was 8.2%, equally distributed with 7.8% for Billroth II resections and 8.5% for total gastrectomy.

Discussion: The organization of gastric cancer surgery in Denmark in 1999-2003 was not optimal, with about 20 departments performing about 100 gastric resections annually, and with a mortality rate of slightly over 8% and an average hospital stay of 18 days. We propose that in future, gastric resections for cancer should be performed in a maximum of five departments nationwide.