Vascular Surgery

Vascular surgery comprises all things to do with the blood vessels, both arterial and venous. The disease presentations can affect any region of the body, meaning vascular surgery is often described as one of the last true generalist specialties. Common presentations within vascular surgery however include the acutely painful limb and lower limb ulcers.

Arterial disease, when presenting acutely, needs urgent investigation and management. Conditions such as aortic aneurysm, acute limb ischaemia, or acute dissection all are potentially life and limb threatening conditions, therefore learning how they present and should be managed is essential.

Venous disease is often less acute however still can cause significant morbidity to patients. Especially in older populations, venous insufficiency and varicose veins are common and therefore important disease presentations for surgeons to be aware of.