Definition

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair is surgery to fix a bulge in the lower aorta. The bulge is called an aneurysm. The aorta is the largest artery in the body. The abdominal part of the aorta carries blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Reasons for Procedure

AAA repair is often done when the aneurysm:

• Causes symptoms such as belly pain
• Gets too big
• Has burst—which causes life-threatening bleeding

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

• Excess bleeding
• Problems from anesthesia
• Infection
• Injury to nearby structures or organs
• Death

AAA surgery for prevention tends to have better outcomes. Emergency AAA surgery has a lower survival rate. This is due to quick blood loss.

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Long-term diseases such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, or obesity
• Previous transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke

What to Expect

The procedure varies. It can be done before a burst—to prevent problems. It can also be done after a burst—as emergency treatment. The preventive procedure is outlined here.

Description of Procedure

The surgery may be done one of two ways:

Open Surgery

An incision is made from the breastbone to below the belly button. The aorta is clamped slightly above and below the aneurysm. Any blood clot inside the aorta is removed. An artificial wall 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. A bandage will be placed over the site.

Endovascular Repair

A small incision is made in the leg. A stent will be inserted in this incision and into the aorta. It will be moved to the aneurysm. The stent will take pressure off the aorta wall. This will prevent it from bulging or leaking. The incision will then be closed. A bandage will be placed over the site.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgery An artificial graft is stitched to the aorta. Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

• Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, excess bleeding, or discharge at the incision
• Pain you cannot control with the medicine
• Any change of color or feeling in your legs or feet
• Belly cramps, loose stools (poop), or problems passing urine
• Lasting nausea or vomiting
• Cough, problems breathing, or chest pain
• Unusual tiredness, low mood, or confusion

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.