[Treatment of rectal carcinoma: satisfaction of general practitioners with surgical clinics]

The present study aimed to analyze the satisfaction of referring general practitioners with the surgical departments concerned with further treatment of patients regarding cooperation and therapeutic results.

A total of 442 general practitioners were interviewed about a total of 601 patients by a standardized questionnaire. The return rate was 63.1% and 73.4% of questionnaires could be analyzed. The study group (SG) comprised 265 patients with rectal carcinoma, who were treated by 204 general practitioners and in 17 different hospitals. The mean age at the time of surgery was 67.8 years.

The oncological result represented the decisive the crucial criterion regarding therapeutic satisfaction of the general practitioners. Postoperative erectile function was the least satisfying parameter, although its priority was considerably more dispensable than the oncological result. Regarding cooperation with the hospital, the content of the epicrisis was the most satisfying parameter. The value of a sufficient and furthermore contemporarily forwarded epicrisis was categorized as very important.

Telephone availability, waiting period until in-patient admission and content of the epicrisis were assessed positively. The main point of criticism was the timely receipt of the epicrisis. The surgical expertise regarding the treatment of rectal carcinoma was assessed as the main quality parameter of the hospital.