A fast arterial duplex ultrasound performed by vascular surgeons. Is the time now?

BACKGROUND: With the technologic advancement in vascular ultrasound imaging, surgeons are now encouraged to perform their own examinations. Vascular surgeons run the vascular laboratory in the Suez Canal University hospital. The aim of this study is to determine the efficiency and advantages of arterial duplex scanning performed by the surgeon. METHODS: A prospective comparative study between the results of color duplex (performed by a vascular surgeon), arteriogram and operative finding in 105 limbs (96 lower and 9 upper) from 63 patients, with chronic arterial occlusive disease or of peripheral arterial emergencies, was performed. The arterial vessels were divided into 13 segments. RESULTS: A total of 858 segments were examined. Duplex scanning was able to detect significant disease with a sensitivity of 83%, a specificity of 100%, positive predictive index 100%, negative predicative index 93%, accuracy 95% and k value of 0.85. Accuracy for the final therapeutic decision was 83% in arteriography, 80% in duplex and in a combination of both was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeon performed duplex is reliable and should be an integral part of the vascular surgeon's practice. Our practice recommends performing arteriography additionally in the lower limb to maximise preoperative information.