Vascular surgery topics for General Practitioners
One diagnosis at a time.
How vascular surgery is tested
Written for DHA, SMLE, DOH, QCHP, OMSB, MOH, NHRA and Kuwait MOH — the same GP licensing mix, not a vascular surgery specialist paper.
Vascular items are AAA size thresholds, symptomatic carotid timing, varicose-vein first steps, and acute arterial embolus — not trauma vessel repair.
Screening and repair thresholds for AAA are size and symptoms. A tender expanding aneurysm is theatre, not another clinic ultrasound.
Symptomatic carotid stenosis is a timed CEA/stent decision. Varicose veins start with compression and CEAP thinking. Acute limb ischaemia is the 6 Ps and heparin plus a vascular call.
Which AAA goes to theatre now?
Ruptured or symptomatic. Asymptomatic size thresholds still decide elective referral; do not observe a tender pulsatile mass.
Carotid stenosis — the timing clue?
A recent TIA or stroke plus a high-grade ipsilateral stenosis is a short window, not “book next year.” Asymptomatic disease is a different stem.
Are trauma vascular injuries in this set?
No. Penetrating and aortic trauma stay with Trauma. This page is elective and acute peripheral/aortic disease.
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