Vascular surgery in Hong Kong: A review of two decades of development

Abstract

With rapid economic growth, better health care, and an aging population in South East Asia, atherosclerosis-related diseases have become a major cause of mortality. This is apparent as more information becomes available on the epidemiology of atherosclerotic diseases in Asians. Vascular surgery has made encouraging progress in Hong Kong, although many patients are still not adequately managed due to delays and misreferrals. Particular to the area are the problems of aging, prevalence of diabetes mellitus, delayed presentation, and small vessel size, especially in women. Many hospitals began conceptual plans to develop self-sufficient vascular units, although full specialization with a higher level of laboratory investigation and specialized reconstructions is rare. The majority of peripheral vascular work is likely to remain in the hands of general surgeons with a special vascular interest. The last few years have witnessed a vapid influx of endovascular technology and an increasing presence of cardiologists and radiologists in treating arterial diseases, blurring the distinction of vascular surgeons and 'interventionists'. Government and hospital management intrusion and cost control measures inevitably placed restrictions in the expansion of the specialty. An increase in the demand for skilled vascular surgeons is to be expected, and the recognition of vascular surgery as an individual subspecialty with proper training and research facilities is necessary to meet the challenge in the future.