Better survival for patients with colon cancer operated on by specialized colorectal surgeons – a nationwide population‐based study in Sweden 2007–2010

Aim Mortality and complication rates after surgery for colon cancer are high, especially after emergency procedures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the importance of the formal competence of surgeons for survival and morbidity. Method The Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry prospectively records data on patients diagnosed with cancer within the colon and rectum. A cohort of patients operated on for colon cancer between 2007 and 2010 were followed 5 years after surgery. Data on postoperative morbidity, mortality and long‐term survival were compared with regard to formal competency of the most senior surgeon attending the procedure. Results This analysis includes 13 365 patients operated on for colon cancer, including 10 434 elective procedures and 2931 emergency cases. The overall 5‐year survival was higher for those operated on by subspecialist colorectal surgeons compared with general surgeons (60% vs 48%; P