title: The U.K. Small Aneurysm Trial: design, methods and progress. The UK Small Aneurysm Trial participants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the outcome of surgery versus ultrasound surveillance for small aortic aneurysms.
  
  
  METHODS
  Multicentre, random allocation, open trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  University and general hospitals across the UK.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients aged 60-76 years with small asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms (4-5.5 cm in diameter).
  
  
  METHODS
  The mortality rate, costs, usage of health service resources and quality of life of each treatment will be compared.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  From patients randomised to ultrasound surveillance, the natural history of small aneurysms will be determined. The design, methods and progress of this trial are reported here.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000191:economics / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000453:epidemiology; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012107:Research Design; D012307:Risk Factors; D018401:Sample Size; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D014600:Utilization Review