Background: The results of personal audit have not been tested against a hospital‐based audit previously and the results of two such audits of colorectal resection in the State of Victoria have provided this opportunity. In addition, data reflecting the results of colorectal resection across a range of hospitals and surgeons in the Victorian community have been obtained. Methods: A total of 535 patients undergoing a colorectal resection, with an anastomosis performed, were studied in two serially conducted prospective audits arranged by the Standards Sub‐committee of the Victorian State Committee. One study was public hospital‐based and the second was based on voluntary reporting by individual surgeons. Results: Similar results were obtained in each study, demonstrating the accuracy of individual reporting. The combined results (wound infection rate 12.3%. anastomotic leak rate 3.7% and mortality 4.5%) are compared to previously published data. Conclusions: In the State of Victoria the results of audit by individual surgeons performing colorectal resection were similar to the hospital‐based audit. The results obtained compare favourably with previously published data.

The use of a checklist during surgical ward rounds makes significant improvement in the consideration of most key aspects of care and education in the completion of a structured progress form substantially improved documentation.

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