Studies in the area of colitis reported from University Hospital.

In this recent article published in the Canadian Journal of Surgery, scientists in London, Canada conducted a study "To investigate changes in morbidity and mortality associated with ileal J-pouch surgery performed during the first 3 years of a single surgeon's practice to determine the presence or absence of a learning curve after fellowship training. From July 2002 to July 2005, an observational study of postoperative outcomes was undertaken, in which 30-day and inhospital morbidity and mortality were assessed."

"A total of 37 patients (17 women and 20 men) underwent the surgery; their average age was 32 (range 16-51) years. The operation was performed for ulcerative colitis (n = 31), familial adenomatous polyposis (n = 4) and indeterminate colitis (n = 2); 32 were diverted and 5 were not. Predicted morbidity and mortality were 31.66% and 1.47%, respectively. Observed morbidity and mortality were 29.7% and 0%, respectively. I used a risk-adjusted cumulative sum (CUSUM) model to compare observed outcomes with predicted outcomes according to a validated scoring system and to analyze outcomes with adjusting for risk on a case-by-case basis. CUSUM analysis revealed a flat curve trending down over the duration. CUSUM methodology permits documentation of quality control during the first 3 ...