Open infrarenal aortic aneurysm repair

Mr Usman Jaffer explains when it is important to consider repair for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Evidence from trials shows that operating on small aneurysms (less than 5.5cm in diameter) has no benefit over monitoring. Generally, we would offer to repair aneurysms greater than 5.5cm.

Mr Usman Jaffer explains that there are two options to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): endovascular repair (EVAR) and open repair. Open repair is a major operation which mostly commonly involves an incision vertically down the abdomen (belly). The aorta is then found at the back of the abdomen behind the guts. The area of aneurysm in the aorta is then opened and a fabric tube is fixed inside the aorta to strengthen it. Different types of grafts are used depending on where the aneurysm is located and how far it extends.

This is a Surgical operation to repair an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA; swelling of the abdominal aorta). This topic discuses when an AAA needs to be repaired and talks about what the traditional open operation involves including pre- and post-surgery expectations for infra-renal AAA. The traditional, open operation for AAA is the most durable and robust way to repair an infra-renal AAA. Other techniques to repair an infra-renal AAA can include keyhole or endovascular repair.

Mr Usman Jaffer explains that abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) can be caused by a number of different factors. One of these factors is having a family history of aneurysms, so there is a hereditary component. But there are other causes such as atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries) which can happen as part of ageing and having other risk factors such as high blood pressure or smoking.

Mr Simpson had an Endovascular Repair of an infra-renal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) known as an EVAR. The procedure was complication by blood clot travelling down a leg artery resulting in some gangrene of the tips of his toes. The gangrene was limited in amount and Mr Simpson made an excellent recovery with his aneurysm repaired.

Mr White talks about his experience with open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm surgery at Saint Marys Hospital in London.