Decreased mortality of abdominal aortic aneurysms in a peripheral county. 
To analyse the effect on the mortality associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms, due to the establishment of a decentralised vascular surgical unit in the county of Viborg.  Death after aneurysm repair and from rupture without repair were analysed retrospectively for the 3 year period before (1986-88), and after (1989-91), the unit was established.  Between 1986 and 1988, one patient (5%) died after 19 elective and three emergency non-ruptured aneurysm repairs.  Only three ruptures were repaired with two deaths.  In the country, 41 deaths due to ruptured aneurysm were recorded.  Between 1989 and 1991 two patients (4%) died after 26 elective and 27 emergency non-ruptured aneurysm repairs.  Nineteen ruptures were repaired with six deaths (32%).  In the county, 28 deaths due to rupture were recorded during this period.  The establishment of a decentralised vascular surgical unit has increased the proportion of ruptured aneurysms reaching surgery with a resultant decrease in mortality from this condition.