The aorta is the largest artery in the body. The abdominal portion of the aorta carries blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs. Sometimes the walls of the aorta weaken and bulge in one area. This is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). AAA's are most often caused by atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries) and high blood pressure .
Surgery to repair an AAA is often done when the aneurysm:
Preventive AAA surgery generally has a good outcome for people who are relatively healthy. Emergency surgery to fix an AAA rupture has a much lower survival rate, due to the rapid loss of blood.
Your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
The procedure varies. It can be done before a rupture (preventive) or after a rupture (emergency). The preventive procedure is outlined here.
Your doctor will likely do some of the following:
Your doctor may also ask you to see a cardiologist (a doctor who specializes in heart conditions). The cardiologist will check your heart before surgery.
Before the procedure:
On the day of the procedure, you will be given an antibiotic by IV (a needle in your hand or arm). You may also be given a laxative or enema to clear out your bowels.
General anesthesia will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery. It is given through an IV.
In most cases, an incision is made from the breastbone to below the belly button. The doctor clamps the aorta slightly above and below the aneurysm. Any blood clot on the inside of the aorta is removed. An artificial wall made of Dacron is used to strengthen the area. This is called a graft. The graft will be stitched to the normal aorta on either side. Then the clamps are removed. The wound is closed with stitches.
About 4-6 hours
Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. Most people will be sore after the procedure and will be given pain medicines.
This varies depending on your overall condition. Ask your doctor how long you should plan to stay.
While you are recovering at the hospital, you may receive the following care:
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, call 911 .
RESOURCES:
American Heart Association
www.americanheart.org/
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca/
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
http://www.ottawaheart.ca/
References:
Aneurysm, aortic. American Heart Association Web site. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org . Accessed June 3, 2008.
Medical encyclopedia: abdominal aortic aneurysm. Medline Plus website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000162.htm . Accessed June 3, 2008.
Last reviewed July 2010 by Arun Kalyanasundaram, MD, MPH
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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