[Amputation and arterial reconstruction in peripheral occlusive arterial diseases in Denmark 1977-1993]

Information was retrieved from the national patient register (Landspatientregisteret), that contains information on all admissions to Danish hospitals 1977-1993. The number of admissions during which a diagnosis of occlusive arterial disease (OAD) of the lower extremities was made and an amputation performed increased from 1290 in 1977 to a maximum of 1609 in 1983 (p < 0.001). From 1987 on the number decreased almost 30% to 1111 in 1993 (p < 0.001). During the period the number of admissions during which arterial reconstruction for OAD were performed increased steadily from 963 in 1977 to 2637 in 1993 (p < 0.001). The result may indicate that vascular surgery is effective on a national scale in preventing amputations for OAD.