[Determination of the degree of surgical risk in colonic cancer]

The procedures for determining operative risk were developed on the basis of the data available on 280 cases of radical surgery for cancer of the colon. A table of prognosis was prepared in which parameters were arranged in increasing order of information value. Risk was determined on the basis of summing-up of diagnostic coefficients for these parameters. Prognosis was considered unfavorable (complications or even fatal outcome), when the sum of diagnostic coefficients was (+) 95 or more, and favorable, when it was (-) 95 or more. The results of risk determinations were wrong in 5% out of 280 cases and inconclusive in 13.2%. The method was tested prospectively in a study group of 43 control patients operated in 1979-1980- there were no errors and results were inconclusive in 7%.