Development of vascular surgery in Hong Kong

Abstract

Vascular surgery is an emerging specialty in Hong Kong, owing to an increasingly affluent society and an ageing population. Traditionally, general surgeons have dealt with varicose veins and simple arterial operations, whereas referral to specialist centres is necessary for complex vascular reconstructions. In Hong Kong, vascular surgeons are available only in tertiary educational institutions with good laboratory support, and they have been pioneers in the introduction of new technology, training and provision of the highest quality of care. The incidence of atherosclerosis is increasing, and accounts for more than half of the admissions of patients with lower limb ischaemia. There is evidence that the workload produced by peripheral arterial disease is steadily rising in the territory. This creates a need for a better-defined specialty and training facilities to meet the increasing demand for expertise in this area, which will undoubtedly see rapid growth in the near future.