Mr Bicknell explains that open surgery is one of the main treatment options for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). He explains the steps of the procedure, which involves a large cut in the abdomen. When the aorta is exposed, it is clamped above and below the aneurysm. The aneurysm is then opened up and a fabric tube is sown in. It is a major operation which requires a short stay in high dependency or intensive care unit, around 7-10 days in hospital, and a few weeks or months to recover. The short-term complications are higher than the endovascular (keyhole approach). But the main advantage is that the repair is usually more long lasting.