Patients from 128 verterans affairs medical centers and 14 private- sector hospitals who underwent major general or vascular procedures from fiscal years 2002 through 2004 were assessed as part of this study. Major operations as defined by the NSQIP included operations using general, spinal, or epidural anesthesia. Patients having carotid endarterectomy are included regardless of anesthetic type. A list of types of operations included in the study and their current procedural terminology (CPT) codes is shown in Table 1. Exclusions include those patients undergoing operations in the previous 30-day period, vascular