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Surgical workload as a consequence of screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm
R A Scott1, A M Gudgeon, H A Ashton
1Department of Vascular Surgery, St Richard's Hospital, Chichester, West Sussex, UK.
The British Journal of Surgery
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in at-risk individuals generated surgical workload. An established program could yield 9-10 AAA surgeries annually, increasing to 34 if only men are screened.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Public Health Screening
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) affects a significant portion of the at-risk population.
- Surgical intervention is often required for diagnosed abdominal aortic aneurysms.
- Estimating the surgical workload from screening programs is crucial for resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the surgical workload associated with screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in an at-risk population.
- To forecast the surgical workload of an established AAA screening program.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 8944 individuals aged 65-80 screened over 8 years.
- Analysis of surgical interventions and outpatient consultations for diagnosed AAAs.
- Projection of surgical workload for a population of 250,000 based on screening rates.
Main Results:
- 356 individuals (4%) had an AAA (≥3 cm).
- 43 patients (4.8 per 1000 screened) underwent surgery.
- Projected workload: 9-10 AAA surgeries/year for a comprehensive program; 34 surgeries/year if screening men only.
Conclusions:
- AAA screening generates a manageable surgical workload.
- Screening men only significantly increases the projected surgical workload.
- Resource planning for AAA screening programs should consider gender-specific screening strategies.