[Vascular surgical procedures in Denmark 1996-2004. Own vascular surgical services associated with a higher incidence of operations].
BACKGROUND
International studies indicate that decentralised vascular surgical activity could have a positive influence on the organisation of vascular services in Denmark.


METHODS
Numbers of vascular operations in 1994-2004 in the various Danish counties were collected from the Danish National Vascular Registry (www.karbase.dk). Incidences were compared by z-test. P-values were corrected by the Bonferroni method.


RESULTS
The incidence of operations for carotid stenosis, critical lower limb ischaemia, and acute lower limb ischaemia 68% (P<0.01), 26% (P < 0.01), and 16% (p < 0.01) higher in counties with own vascular surgical services compared to counties without own vascular service. The incidence of operations for carotid stenosis was 22% higher in counties offering such operations compared to counties offering most other vascular surgical except carotid thrombendarterectomies (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Own vascular surgical services in Denmark are associated with a higher incidence of operations, thus preventing stroke and amputation.
Lindholt
Jes S
JS
Regionshospitalet Viborg, Karkirurgisk Afdeling, Forskningssektionen, Viborg. jes.s.lindholt@sygehusviborg.dk
Jensen
Leif Panduro
LP
D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000601:surgery; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000601:surgery; D002497:Centralized Hospital Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003718:Denmark; D016894:Endarterectomy, Carotid / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000601:surgery; D007511:Ischemia / Q000601:surgery; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D012042:Registries; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data