Rectal cancer. Is the surgeon the variable in the outcome?
Four factors influence the outcome of rectal surgery: tumour biology, stage of lesion, type of surgery performed and the performing surgeon himself. Tumour biology and tumour stage depend on each other and are not influenced on by the surgeon, while he seems to have a great influence on the latter two factors. This influence mainly consists of the following: training, volume, individual skill and experience.
Ignjatovic
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Department of Research and Development, Forde Health System, School of Medicine, Bergen University, Forde, Norway.
Bergamaschi
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D002983:Clinical Competence; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome