Aortic aneurysms--who should do them?
All patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs in a district general hospital between 1 January 1983 and 31 December 1987 were reviewed. Of the 76 cases, 53 were planned and 23 were ruptured aneurysms. The male:female ratio was 4.4:1, and the age range was 47-84 years (mean 67.6 +/- 6.97 years). Half underwent an ultrasound scan, showing a maximum diameter range of 3-12 cm. Fifty-seven (75%) had tube grafts, and 19 (25%) bifurcation grafts. The 30-day mortality was 3.7% for planned cases, and 26% for ruptured cases. The principal operator in 55 (72.5%) cases was a consultant; consultant anaesthetists were involved in 61.3% cases. We conclude that aneurysm surgery can safely be performed in a district general hospital by a general surgeon with an interest in vascular surgery.
Department of Surgery, Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport.
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Vella
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Duthie
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Shandall
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Shute
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000401:mortality; D012307:Risk Factors