ABC of Vascular Disease

Aortic Aneurysm Repair

An aortic aneurysm repair is a major operation that is done to prevent rupture the aneurysm.

The operation requires a full (general) anaesthetic.

The operation consists of the following steps:

	The aorta is exposed through an incision on the abdomen (vertical or transverse).
	The aorta and the major branches are clamped to prevent bleeding.
	The aortic aneurysm is opened and the clot and debris removed.
	A synthetic arterial graft is placed inside the aneurysm between the normal artery above and below.
	The clamps are removed to allow blood to flow through the new graft to the legs.
	The aneurysm is closed over the graft to protect it.
	The incision in the abdomen is closed.

Following the operation it is usual to go to the intensive care unit (ITU) where close monitoring is carried out. The length of time spent in ITU varies from patient to patient (typically 1 day).

Pain relief is usually provided by a continuous infusion into the back (epidural).

During the recovery period, eating and drinking are re-introduced gradually.

Patients stay for 10 days in hospital on average.

The total recovery period is between 6 weeks and 3 months.

95% of patients recover fully with no significant complications.

After recovery the chance of future problems is very small (less than 1%).

A routine outpatient check is done at about 6 weeks after discharge from hospital.

No further outpatient follow-up is usually required after the 6 week visit.

Note: some patients have more complex forms of aortic aneurysm which involve more complex operations and have higher risks associated with them.

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