DECREASED MORTALITY OF ABDOMINAL AORTIC-ANEURYSMS IN A PERIPHERAL COUNTY

Objectives: To analyse the effect on the mortality associated with abd ominal aortic aneurysms, due to the establishment of a decentralised v ascular surgical unit in the county of Viborg. Methods: Death after an eurysm repair and from rupture without repair were analysed retrospect ively for the 3 year period before (1986-88), and after (1989-91), the unit was established. Results: Between 1986 and 1988, one patient (5% ) died after 19 elective and three emergency non-ruptured aneurysm rep airs. Only three ruptures were repaired with two deaths. In the county , 41 deaths due to ruptured aneurysm were recorded. Between 1989 and 1 991 two patients (4%) died after 26 elective and 27 emergency non-rupt ured aneurysm repairs. Nineteen ruptures were repaired with six deaths (32%). In the county, 28 deaths due to rupture were recorded during t his period. Conclusions: The establishment of a decentralised vascular surgical unit has increased the proportion of ruptured aneurysms reac hing surgery with a resultant decrease in mortality from this conditio n.