A 15-year experience: intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay for the management of primary hyperparathyroidism in a UK endocrine surgical unit.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of first-time parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism using intraoperative PTH (IOPTH) assay in the light of the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the management of primary hyperparathyroidism. METHOD: This is a retrospective cohort analysis of a prospectively maintained database of endocrine surgery in a tertiary centre. Preoperative radiological localisation (concordance and accuracy), intraoperative PTH parameters and adjusted serum calcium at minimum 6-month follow-up were analysed. The accuracy of IOPTH to predict post-operative normocalcaemia and the number needed to treat (NNT) within the cohort when IOPTH was utilised were determined. Differences between groups were evaluated with Chi-squared and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Between January 2004 and September 2018, 849 patients (75.4% women), median age 64 years (IQR 54-72), were analysed. The median preoperative adjusted serum calcium was 2.80mmol/l (IQR 2.78-2.90), and the median preoperative PTH was 14.20pmol/l (IQR 10.70-20.25). The overall first-time cure (normocalcaemia) rate was 96.4%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values of IOPTH were 96.8%, 83.2%, 97.6% and 78.8%, respectively, with an accuracy of 95.1%. For patients with concordant scans (48.3%), a targeted approach without IOPTH would have achieved a cure rate of 94.1% compared with 98.0% using IOPTH (p<0.01) CONCLUSION: The use of IOPTH assay significantly improved the rate of normocalcaemia at 6 months. The low NNT to benefit from IOPTH, particularly those patients with a single positive scan, and the inevitable reduction in the potential costs incurred from failure and reoperation justify its utilisation.

A Review of Parathyroid Surgery for Primary Hyperparathyroidism from the United Kingdom Registry of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgery (UKRETS).

BACKGROUND: The United Kingdom Registry of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons is a national database holding details on > 28,000 parathyroidectomies. METHODS: An extract (2004-2017) of the database was analysed to investigate the reported efficacy, safety and use of intra-operative surgical adjuncts in targeted parathyroidectomy (tPTx) and bilateral neck exploration (BNE) for adult, first-time primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). RESULTS: 50.9% of 21,738 cases underwent tPTx. Excellent short-term (median follow-up 35 days) post-operative normocalcaemia rates were reported overall (tPTx 96.6%, BNE 94.5%, p < 0.05) and in image-positive cases (tPTx 96.7%, BNE 96%, p < 0.05). Intra-operative PTH improved overall normocalcaemia rates (tPTx 97.8% vs 96.3%, BNE 95% vs 94.4%: both p < 0.05). Intra-operative nerve monitoring reduced vocal cord (VC) dysfunction in image-positive tPTx, but not in BNE (97.8% vs 93.2%, p < 0.05). Complications were higher following BNE (7.4% vs 3.8%, p < 0.05), especially hypocalcaemia (5.3% vs 2%, p < 0.05). There was no difference in rates of subjective dysphonia following tPTx or BNE (2.4% vs 2.3%, p > 0.05), nor any difference in VC dysfunction when formally examined (4.9% vs 4.1%, p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In image-positive, first time, adult PHPT cases, tPTx is as safe and effective as BNE, with both achieving excellent short-term results with minimal complications.

Nosocomial COVID-19 infection: examining the risk of mortality. The COPE-Nosocomial Study (COVID in Older PEople).

BACKGROUND: Hospital admissions for non-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathology have decreased significantly. It is believed that this may be due to public anxiety about acquiring COVID-19 infection in hospital and the subsequent risk of mortality. AIM: To identify patients who acquire COVID-19 in hospital (nosocomial COVID-19 infection (NC)) and their risk of mortality compared to those with community-acquired COVID-19 (CAC) infection. METHODS: The COPE-Nosocomial Study was an observational cohort study. The primary outcome was the time to all-cause mortality (estimated with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)), and secondary outcomes were day 7 mortality and the time-to-discharge. A mixed-effects multivariable Cox's proportional hazards model was used, adjusted for demographics and comorbidities. FINDINGS: The study included 1564 patients from 10 hospital sites throughout the UK, and one in Italy, and collected outcomes on patients admitted up to April 28th, 2020. In all, 12.5% of COVID-19 infections were acquired in hospital; 425 (27.2%) patients with COVID died. The median survival time in NC patients was 14 days compared with 10 days in CAC patients. In the primary analysis, NC infection was associated with lower mortality rate (aHR: 0.71; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.51-0.98). Secondary outcomes found no difference in day 7 mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.47-1.31), but NC patients required longer time in hospital during convalescence (aHR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.37-0.66). CONCLUSION: The minority of COVID-19 cases were the result of NC transmission. No COVID-19 infection comes without risk, but patients with NC had a lower risk of mortality compared to CAC infection; however, caution should be taken when interpreting this finding.

Outcomes of surgery for benign and malignant adrenal disease from the British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons' national registry.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the indications, procedures and outcomes for adrenal surgery from the UK Registry of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgery database from 2005 to 2017, and compared outcomes between benign and malignant disease. METHODS: Data on adrenalectomies were extracted from a national surgeon-reported registry. Preoperative diagnosis, surgical technique, length of hospital stay, morbidity and in-hospital mortality were examined. RESULTS: Some 3994 adrenalectomies were registered among patients with a median age of 54 (i.q.r. 43-65) years (55·9 per cent female). Surgery was performed for benign disease in 81·5 per cent. Tumour size was significantly greater in malignant disease: 60 (i.q.r. 34-100) versus 40 (24-55) mm (P < 0·001). A minimally invasive approach was employed in 90·2 per cent of operations for benign disease and 48·2 per cent for cancer (P < 0·001). The conversion rate was 3·5-fold higher in malignant disease (17·3 versus 4·7 per cent; P < 0·001). The length of hospital stay was 3 (i.q.r. 2-5) days for benign disease and 5 (3-8) days for malignant disease (P < 0·050). In multivariable analysis, risk factors for morbidity were malignant disease (odds ratio (OR) 1·69, 1·22 to 2·36; P = 0·002), tumour size larger than 60 mm (OR 1·43, 1·04 to 1·98; P = 0·028) and conversion to open surgery (OR 3·48, 2·16 to 5·61; P < 0·001). The in-hospital mortality rate was below 0·5 per cent overall, but significantly higher in the setting of malignant disease (1·2 versus 0·2 per cent; P < 0·001). Malignant disease (OR 4·88, 1·17 to 20·34; P = 0·029) and tumour size (OR 7·47, 1·52 to 39·61; P = 0·014) were independently associated with mortality in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: Adrenalectomy is a safe procedure but the higher incidence of open surgery for malignant disease appears to influence postoperative outcomes.

ANTECEDENTES: Este estudio investigó las indicaciones, procedimientos y resultados de la cirugía de la glándula suprarrenal a partir de la base de datos de la UKRETS desde 2005-2017 y comparó los resultados entre enfermedad benigna y maligna. MÉTODOS: Se examinó un registro nacional con datos notificados por cirujanos que incluye 3.994 suprarrenalectomías; 57% mujeres, mediana de edad 53 (8-88 años). Se evaluaron el diagnóstico preoperatorio, la técnica quirúrgica, la duración de la estancia hospitalaria, la morbilidad y la mortalidad hospitalaria. RESULTADOS: En el 82% de los casos la cirugía se realizó por enfermedad benigna. El tamaño del tumor fue significativamente mayor en la enfermedad maligna: 60 mm (34-100 mm) versus 40 mm (24-55 mm), P < 0,001. Se utilizó un abordaje mínimamente invasivo en el 90% de los casos de enfermedad benigna y en el 48% de las operaciones por cáncer (P < 0,001). La tasa de conversión fue 3,5 veces más alta en la enfermedad maligna (17% versus 4,9%, P < 0,001). La duración de la estancia fue 3 días (rango intercuartílico, interquartile range, IQR 2-5) para la enfermedad benigna y 5 (IQR 3-8) días para la enfermedad maligna (P < 0,05). En el análisis multivariable, los factores de riesgo para la morbilidad fueron: enfermedad maligna (razón de oportunidades, odds ratio, OR 1,64, 1,217-2,359; P = 0,002), tamaño del tumor (OR 1,433, 1.040-1,967; P = 0,028) y conversión a cirugía abierta (OR 3,483, 2,160-5,612; P < 0,0001). La mortalidad hospitalaria global fue baja (< 0,5%) pero significativamente mayor en el escenario de la enfermedad maligna (1,2% versus 0,2%, P < 0,001). La enfermedad maligna (OR 4,881, 1,171-20,343; P = 0,029) y el tamaño del tumor (OR 7,474, 1,515-39,610; P = 0,014) se asociaron de forma independiente con la mortalidad en el análisis multivariable. CONCLUSIÓN: La suprarrenalectomía es un procedimiento seguro, pero la mayor incidencia de cirugía abierta para la enfermedad maligna parece tener un impacto sobre los resultados postoperatorios.

Frailty predicts mortality in all emergency surgical admissions regardless of age. An observational study.

BACKGROUND: frail patients in any age group are more likely to die than those that are not frail. We aimed to evaluate the impact of frailty on clinical mortality, readmission rate and length of stay for emergency surgical patients of all ages. METHODS: a multi-centre prospective cohort study was conducted on adult admissions to acute surgical units. Every patient presenting as a surgical emergency to secondary care, regardless of whether they ultimately underwent a surgical procedure was included. The study was carried out during 2015 and 2016.Frailty was defined using the 7-point Clinical Frailty Scale. The primary outcome was mortality at Day 90. Secondary outcomes included: mortality at Day 30, length of stay and readmission within a Day 30 period. RESULTS: the cohort included 2,279 patients (median age 54 years [IQR 36-72]; 56% female). Frailty was documented in patients of all ages: 1% in the under 40's to 45% of those aged 80+. We found that each incremental step of worsening frailty was associated with an 80% increase in mortality at Day 90 (OR 1.80, 95% CI: 1.61-2.01) supporting a linear dose-response relationship. In addition, the most frail patients were increasingly likely to stay in hospital longer, be readmitted within 30 days, and die within 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: worsening frailty at any age is associated with significantly poorer patient outcomes, including mortality in unselected acute surgical admissions. Assessment of frailty should be integrated into emergency surgical practice to allow prognostication and implementation of strategies to improve outcomes.

Prognostic Significance of Acute Kidney Injury Following Emergency Laparotomy: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

AIMS: Post-operative acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and independent mortality risk factor carrying high clinical and economic cost. This study aimed to establish the incidence of AKI in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy (EL), to determine patients' risk profile and consequent mortality. METHODS: Consecutive 239 patients of median age 68 (IQR 51-76) years, undergoing EL in a UK tertiary hospital, were studied. Primary outcome measure was AKI and in-hospital operative mortality. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients (39.7%) developed AKI, which was associated with in-hospital mortality in 32 patients (33.7%) compared with 7 patients (4.9%) without AKI. AKI occurred in 81.1% of all mortalities, but none occurred when AKI resolved within 48 h of EL. AKI was associated with chronic kidney disease, age, serum lactate, white cell count, pre-EL systolic blood pressure and tachycardia (p < 0.010). Median length of hospital stay in AKI survivors was 15 days compared with 11 days in the absence of AKI (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, only AKI at 48 h post-EL was significantly and independently associated with mortality [HR 10.895, 95% CI 3.152-37.659, p < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Peri-operative AKI after EL was common and associated with a more than sixfold significant greater mortality. Pre-operative risk profile assessment and prompt protocol-driven intervention should minimise AKI and reduce EL mortality.

Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Assay Remains Predictive of Cure in Renal Impairment in Patients with Single Parathyroid Adenomas.

BACKGROUND: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) has a short half-life and is cleared by the liver and kidneys. This study examined whether declining estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) affects application of the Miami criterion for intraoperative PTH (ioPTH) decline during parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoes parathyroidectomy for pHPT. Patients with multi-gland disease, without ioPTH, failure-to-cure and those <18 years were excluded. Baseline demographics, pre-operative PTH, ioPTH and 6-month follow-up data were available. Patients were categorised into normal or chronic kidney disease (CKD stage 2-5) based on pre-operative eGFR. Nonparametric data were compared using Mann-Whitney U test/Kruskal-Wallis test. The primary outcome measure was to assess whether CKD-affected ioPTH decline in parathyroidectomy for pHPT. RESULTS: A total of 476 patients were included [75.4% women; median age 63.8 years (18-92)]. CKD was present in 362 (76%) (CKD2:289; CKD3:66; CKD4/5:7). Increasing CKD stage was associated with advancing age [normal 53 years (41-61); CKD2 65 (57-73); CKD3 73.5 (66-78); CKD4/5 74(63-81); p < 0.001] and higher pre-operative PTH [16.6 pmol/L (11.1-22.9); 13.1 (10.4-17.7); 22.6 (13.8-33.7); 33.8(12.4-41.7); p < 0.001]. Baseline and post-excision ioPTH were significantly higher in those with CKD4/5 (p < 0.05). The Miami criterion was met in all patients, but median fall in ioPTH at 10-min varied between groups [normal:0.78 (0.71-0.82); CKD2:0.76 (0.69-0.83); CKD3:0.75 (0.69-0.82); CKD4/5:0.69 (0.61-0.70); p = 0.048)]. It was significantly lower in those with CKD4/5 compared with the remainder of patients [0.69 (0.61-0.70) vs. 0.76 (0.70-0.82); p = 0.008]. CONCLUSIONS: Although the reduction in ioPTH after successful parathyroidectomy is lower in severe CKD, the Miami criterion remains predictive of cure. Differences in absolute levels of PTH and tumour weight suggest that renal HPT may be a confounding factor.

Is Unilateral Neck Surgery Feasible in Patients with Sporadic Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Double Negative Localisation?

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound and Tc99mMIBI scans are used to localise parathyroid tumours in sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). Intra-operative PTH (ioPTH) assay facilitates unilateral neck exploration (UNE). When both ultrasound and MIBI are negative, it is our policy to explore the left side of the neck and only proceed to bilateral neck exploration (BNE) when either a tumour is not found or when ioPTH does not fall to >50% of the highest pre-excision value. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of our approach to 'double negative' patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing primary parathyroidectomy for pHPT. Data were obtained from a prospective surgical database and the hospital electronic patient record. RESULTS: Between January 2004 and November 2014, 746 patients underwent a parathyroidectomy for pHPT. Those who did not have both pre-operative scans, ioPTH or a minimum of 6-month follow-up were excluded. Of 552 patients, 111 (20%) had double negative scans (group A), and in 441, either one or both scans were positive (group B). Median age was 61.5 years (range 10-88). Pre-operative PTH level was significantly lower in group A: 11.8 pmol/l (range 3.1-38.8) versus 14.9 pmol/l (range 2.8-101.6; P < 0.01). Median tumour weight was significantly lower in group A: 280 mg (range 50-3710) versus 573 mg (range 10-12,000; P < 0.01). Overall rate of multiple gland disease (MGD) was 11%; 24% in group A and 7% in group B (P < 0.01). Overall rate of UNE in Group A was 28% and converse to the rate in Group B (76%; P < 0.01). Sensitivity and specificity of ioPTH to detect MGD were 98 and 98% in Group A versus 98 and 100% in Group B. First-time cure rate was 92.7% in group A and 96.8% in group B (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A double negative scan is associated with small tumours and higher rates of MGD. Despite these challenges, surgery is successful in this group of patients reinforcing the message that negative localisation is not a contraindication for parathyroidectomy. We demonstrated that it is feasible to offer unilateral neck surgery to 28% of patients with double negative scans. A randomised trial is needed to compare BNE with ioPTH/UNE in this select population.

Laparoscopic versus open surgery for colorectal cancer in the older person: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery is being increasingly offered to the older person. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature regarding laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery in older people and compare to younger adult populations. STUDY SELECTION: We included randomized controlled trials that compared open to laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. Older people were defined as being 65 years and above. OUTCOME MEASURES: Overall survival and post-operative morbidity and mortality. Secondary endpoints were length of hospital stay, wound recurrence, disease-free survival and conversion rate. RESULTS: Seven trials included older people, average age of approximately 70 years. Two reported data specific to older patients (over 70 years): The ALCCaS study reported reduced length of stay and short-term complication rates in the laparoscopic group when compared to open surgery (8 versus 10 days, and 36.7% versus 50.6% respectively) and the CLASICC study reported equivalent 5 year survival between arms and a reduction of 2 days length of stay following laparoscopic surgery in older people. In trials which considered data on older and younger participants all five trials reported comparable overall survival and showed comparable or reduced complication rates; two demonstrated significantly shorter length of stay following laparoscopic surgery compared to open surgery. CONCLUSION: Large numbers of older people have been included in well-conducted, multi-centre, randomized controlled trials for laparoscopic and open colorectal cancer surgery. This systematic review suggests that age itself should not be a factor when considering the best surgical option for older patients.

A decade of change in the uptake of parathyroidectomy in England and Wales.

INTRODUCTION: Since the late 1990s, a number of factors have reduced the threshold for parathyroidectomy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. This study examined whether this has translated into increased numbers of parathyroid operations over the last decade. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of the Patient Episode Database for Wales and English Hospital Episode Statistics annual data from 2000 to 2010 for parathyroidectomy admissions per 100,000 population. Statistical analysis was by linear regression. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2010 there were 24,247 parathyroid operations in England and Wales (0.005% of the population), with 3 times as many women treated as men. Overall, incidence of parathyroidectomy rose from 3.3/100,000 population in 2000 to 5.8/100,000 in 2010 (p<0.0001). In England, it increased from 3.3/100,000 population to 5.8/100,000 and in Wales, it increased from 2.4/100,000 population to 4.6/100,000. Despite similar population demographics, the difference in the rate of change between England and Wales was significant (p<0.05). Uptake also varied according to age; in those aged 0-14 years, incidence of parathyroidectomy remained static whereas in all other age groups, uptake of parathyroidectomy increased significantly from 2000 to 2010. Most notably, surgical intervention in those aged 60-74 and >75 years nearly doubled over the decade (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of parathyroidectomy in adults has increased significantly in the last decade in England and Wales. This likely reflects changes in population demography, available guidelines, lower threshold for referral, changing surgical approach and the realisation that surgical morbidity is now infrequent.

Recurrent urolithiasis following parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of parathyroidectomy on the incidence of recurrent stone formation is uncertain. We aimed to compare the biochemistry and recurrence rate of urolithiasis in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) and stone formation (SF) and non-stone formation (NSF) with idiopathic stone formers (ISF). METHODS: Patients with pHPT and SF (Group 1) were identified from a prospective database. pHPT patients and NSF (Group 2) and ISFs (Group 3) were randomly selected from respective databases to form three equal groups. Preoperative and postoperative biochemical data were analysed and recurrent urolithiasis diagnosed if present on follow-up radiology. Out-of-area patients were asked about recurrence via telephone. RESULTS: From July 2002 to October 2011, 640 patients had parathyroidectomy for pHPT. Of these, 66 (10.3%) had a history of renal colic; one was lost to follow-up. Patient demographics were similar across all three groups. Three months post-parathyroidectomy, Groups 1 and 2 had significantly reduced serum calcium concentrations (p<0.01). Group 1 had lower urinary calcium excretion after parathyroidectomy (p<0.01), but estimated glomerular filtration rate did not change following surgery. During median follow-up of 4.33 years (0.25-9 years) in Groups 1 and 2 and 5.08 years (0.810-8 years) in Group 3, one patient (1.5%) in Group 1 and 16 patients (25%) in Group 3 had recurrent urolithiasis (p<0.01). No Group 2 patients developed stones. CONCLUSION: Curative parathyroidectomy confers a low recurrence rate for urolithiasis, but does not prevent recurrence in all patients. Further research should aim to identify the risk factors for continued SF in these patients.

Increased use of laparoscopy in acute right iliac fossa pain - is it good for patients?

AIM: The use of laparoscopy, with or without appendicectomy, is becoming more common in the management of acute right iliac fossa (RIF) pain, but little is known of the 'unintended' consequences of this change. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of increased use of laparoscopy on the number and type of patients treated surgically and on the rate of negative appendicectomy. METHOD: A prospective audit was carried out of admissions to a teaching hospital over two, 3-month periods during 2007 and 2008. The management, investigations and outcome of patients presenting with RIF pain were studied. RESULTS: Admissions were stable over the two time-periods. There was a significant increase in the number of laparoscopic operations performed, from 22.5% (14/62) in 2007 to 85.7% (72/84) in 2008 (P < 0.0001), and the percentage of patients undergoing surgery rose from 55.4% (n = 62) in 2007 to 71.2% (n = 84) in 2008 (P < 0.01). In 2008, female patients were more likely to have surgery, an increase from 37.1% to 66.2% (P < 0.001), and were more likely to have a laparoscopic procedure, an increase from 50% to 98% (P < 0.0001). The rate of histologically confirmed appendicitis did not increase significantly (50/122 vs 57/118; P = 0.25), but the number of patients with a normal appendix either left in situ because it was macroscopically normal or found to be histologically normal following excision, increased significantly, from 9.01% in 2007 to 21.2% in 2008 (P < 0.01). The diagnostic value of pelvic ultrasound decreased from 75.6% of examinations in 2007 to 54.5% in 2008 (P = 0.039). CONCLUSION: An increase in laparoscopic procedures has resulted in more operations in women, an associated higher negative appendicectomy rate and decreased usefulness of pelvic ultrasound. Increased use of laparoscopy needs to be balanced against the diagnostic benefits of 'negative' laparoscopy.

Current practice in the United Kingdom for the use of diagnostic laparoscopy in suspected acute appendicitis.

OBJECTIVE: Diagnostic laparoscopy is advocated in the management of patients with acute right iliac fossa pain. We asked consultant surgeons in the UK about their current use of this technique. METHOD: A short anonymous questionnaire was sent to consultant surgeons from the ASGBI database. Information was sought on general surgical specialty, participation in the emergency surgical on-call rota, current practice regarding the use of diagnostic laparoscopy in patients with suspected acute appendicitis and on the management of an inflamed or noninflamed appendix. Statistical analysis was by means of chi(2) test. RESULTS: There were 161 eligible returns from 250 questionnaires (64%) and the proportion of consultants replying from each subspecialty was similar to membership numbers of subspecialty organizations. Most consultants (68%) performed diagnostic laparoscopy in patients with suspected acute appendicitis. The majority (69%) reserved its use for women of reproductive age and 14% of respondents laparoscoped all patients with suspected appendicitis. Compared to nongastrointestinal (GI), GI surgeons were significantly more likely to perform diagnostic laparoscopy (75 vs 52%, P = 0.008). In the case of an overtly inflamed appendix, 81% of respondents would remove it laparoscopically with significantly more GI surgeons following this course than nonGI surgeons (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Despite good evidence on the benefits of diagnostic laparoscopy in certain patients with suspected acute appendicitis, there is significant variation in its use. This difference appears to be based upon subspecialty and may be as a result of increasing subspecialization.

Administration of 75 mg of aspirin daily for 28 days is sufficient prophylaxis against renal transplant vein thrombosis.

INTRODUCTION: Early postoperative renal transplant vein thrombosis results in graft loss. We evaluate the effect of administering aspirin 75 mg daily for 28 days following transplantation. METHODS: Prospectively collected data on the outcome of all transplants undertaken in our unit in the five-year period from January 1997 to January 2002 were reviewed, and in cases of graft failure before three months the cause was defined. RESULTS: In the study period, a total of 401 transplants were undertaken (311 cadaveric and 90 living related). There was one case of renal transplant vein thrombosis (0.25%). This represents a significant reduction on the unit's historical incidence of 5.8%, P < 0.001. CONCLUSION: Aspirin 75 mg daily is adequate to virtually abolish renal transplant vein thrombosis and has a role in thromboprophylaxis in other situations where heparin is contraindicated.

Changes in the provision of vascular surgery in a single health region over 10 years.

INTRODUCTION: This study examines changes in vascular service provision and activity in a single UK health region over 10 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire on involvement in vascular surgery was sent to all general surgeons in the Oxford region in 1992, 1997 and 2001. Data on involvement in vascular surgery were obtained from the Department of Health. RESULTS: Over 10 years the number of general surgeons not performing any emergency vascular (arterial) surgery rose from 33% to 65% (P = 0.002). There was also a fall in the number of general surgeons performing only emergency vascular surgery (P = 0.009). Trends were observed towards more vascular emergencies being transferred to another hospital (P = 0.068) and proportionally fewer general surgeons undertaking recurrent varicose vein surgery (P = 0.09). The number of vascular reconstructions was 20.8 per 100,000 population in 1990-1991, rising to 32.3 per 100,000 in 1997-1998 but falling to 27.2 per 100,000 by 1999-2000, the greatest increase in activity was seen in the regional centre. Endovascular procedures increased from 8.2 per 100,000 in 1990-1991 to 21.27 in 1995-1996 falling to 17.4 by 1999-2000. In the regional centre there was a fall of 57% in such procedures from 1996-1997 to 1999-2000. Over 10 years, the overall major amputation rate remained between 10-12 per 100,000. CONCLUSIONS: The changes reflect the gradual separation of vascular surgery from general surgery occurring nationally. They also suggest a more conservative approach in the management of certain vascular conditions.