An abdominal aneurysm is a serious medical condition in which the stomach’s main blood vessel, the aorta, becomes dangerously dilated due to a weakening of its walls. If an aneurysm is not repaired, rupture and possible death could result. Abdominal aneurysm repair may consist of conservative treatments like medication or lifestyle changes or more immediate interventions like surgery. Open surgical repair or endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair are two different types of interventional repair. The nature of the aneurysm will typically direct which courses of treatment are best.
Individuals may have difficulty detecting an abdominal aneurysm because it often presents no symptoms. Vague pain in the stomach, legs, or back area may occur in some cases. Perhaps the most efficient means of aneurysm prevention is awareness of risk factors. The following characteristics increase the likelihood of developing an abdominal aneurysm: over 65 years of age, male, Caucasian, smoker, and a family history of the condition. Screening is typically available for at-risk individuals.
Abdominal aneurysm repair will often depend on the size and rate of growth of the aneurysm. If an aneurysm is small and slow-growing or if the patient carries a higher health risk, a physician may opt to simply manage the aneurysm rather than repairing it. The elimination of harmful practices like smoking is key to this mode of treatment. Some blood pressure medications may also be of use to block further damage. X-rays or ultrasounds of the aneurysm can guide the watchful waiting decision.
The option of choice when there is high risk of rupture of the aneurysm is surgery. Patients who are young and healthy often undergo open abdominal aneurysm repair. Individuals in a weaker physical condition, on the other hand, may need endovascular repair.
In the open surgery method, surgeons will cut into the abdomen and place clamps on the aorta. Then, the surgeon cuts into the aorta and replaces the weakened aortic walls with a graft, or an artificial device used to bypass damaged blood vessels. This allows blood flow into the graft rather than the aorta, thereby reducing pressure and the risk of rupture.
Endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair is a similar process, but uses a catheter tube to insert a graft into the aorta. Rather than cutting into the stomach, endovascular methods simply require a small incision in the groin. The proximity and strength of surrounding arteries are important determinants for choosing this type of intervention. An interventional radiologist will likely perform the procedure, and several staff are on-hand to prevent complications like kidney or heart failure. Recovery periods will vary by treatment type.