Impact of a structured quality management program on surgical outcome in primary advanced ovarian cancer

Abstract Objective Surgical outcome in advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) is an important prognostic factor and the only factor amendable to improvement by optimization. Therefore, introduction of quality management programs (QM) regarding the surgical therapy in ovarian cancer may help to improve outcome. Methods We introduced a specific ovarian cancer quality management program in 2001 in our gynecologic oncology center. Analysis of 396 consecutive patients with primary surgery for advanced ovarian cancer FIGO stages IIB–IV operated before the introduction of the quality management program 1997–2000, or during the introduction years 2001–2003, or after establishing 2004–2008. Results Thirty-three percent had complete debulking to no macroscopic residual disease from 1997 to 2000. This rate increased to 47% in 2001–2003 ( n = 86) and 62% in 2004–2008 ( n = 259). The utilization of extended surgical procedures increased over time. Patients with complete resection had 5-YSR of 55% compared to 16% in patients with residuals 1-10 mm, and 13% in patients with residuals > 1 cm ( p < 0.001). The median OS increased from 26 months 1997–2000 to 37 months 2001–2003 and 45 months in 2004–2008 ( p < 0.003). Conclusions Optimizing surgical skills, infrastructure, and introduction of quality management programs may improve both surgical and overall outcome in advanced ovarian cancer.