Variability in counselling patients regarding the hereditary nature of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Lack of evidence or resources?
OBJECTIVE
To audit advice regarding the hereditary nature of aneurysm disease offered to patients undergoing elective AAA repair in a New Zealand teaching hospital (Christchurch Public Hospital).


METHODS
In a retrospective audit, the documentation of information and advice given to patients regarding the hereditary nature of AAA disease was reviewed. Patients undergoing non-emergency open or endovascular AAA repair in a tertiary referral centre were identified from a computerised database (patient management system). Typed clinic letters and in-patient notes were searched for evidence of advice given regarding the hereditary nature of AAAs and the need for surveillance of family members.


RESULTS
Of the 79 patients included in the study, 20 (25%) underwent endovascular AAA repair (EVAR) and 59 (75%) underwent open AAA repair. Only 19 of patient notes contained thorough documentation of the advice offered regarding family history of AAA.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has identified deficiencies in the documentation of the counselling process regarding the occasional hereditary nature of AAAs and the management of family members of patients with AAA. The results of this audit and the evidence outlined in the discussion will hopefully improve our management of patients with AAA and their relatives.
Nakka
Prathyusha
P
Christchurch Vascular Group, Department of Vascular Surgery, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch.
Chu
Jen
J
Roake
Justin
J
Lewis
David
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000235:genetics* / Q000601:surgery; D004282:Documentation / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies