Local audit in vascular surgery.

A 2-year audit of the Southampton Vascular Unit showed marked discrepancies in workload from nationally accepted figures. All forms of reconstructive surgery except emergency aortic aneurysm grafting were performed more frequently than expected. The vascular population is elderly and at high risk from major surgery. Mortality was appreciable in all major vascular procedures and usually cardiac or renal related. The elderly population and resulting workload is likely to increase in the near future. The role of local audit in vascular surgery is emphasised.