This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Distal arterial reconstruction in Scotland 1989–1998. BJS 2001; 88: 598-598.
Published: 6th December 2002
Authors: R. J. Holdsworth, H. M. Paterson
Method
A retrospective analysis of national hospital discharge data (Scottish Morbidity Record 1) from 1989 to 1998 was undertaken.
Results
The population of Scotland has remained constant at 5·1 million. A total of 975 distal arterial grafts were performed in 10 years. The overall rate of distal reconstruction increased from 0·9 per 100 000 population in 1989, peaked at 2·6 per 100 000 in 1994, and has since declined steadily to 1·8 per 100 000 in 1998 (Table). There were huge interregional variations in the rate of reconstruction, with up to a 17‐fold variation in annual rates between the 12 mainland health boards. The variations in distal reconstruction between the health boards were not reflected in reduced amputation rates, nor was the decline in distal reconstruction easily explained by increased non‐femoral angioplasty. Distal arterial reconstruction in Scotland 1989–1998, R. J. Holdsworth and H. M. Paterson Rates of distal arterial reconstruction in Scotland fall well below those of comparable European countries. It is likely that insufficient distal operations are undertaken to impact on amputation rates. The authors recommend an increased provision of specialist vascular surgical expertise in Scotland. © 2001 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd
Conclusion