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Aortic Aneurysm Surgery Complications
- The aorta is the major blood vessel in the body, extending from the heart to the abdomen. Weak patches can develop in the aorta, causing blood to leak from the vessel. Eventually, this weak spot may rupture, resulting in nearly instant death. According to the MayoClinic.com, risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and being older than 60, male, and white. While the condition often does not cause symptoms, some patients may experience back pain, tenderness in the abdomen or chest area or a pulsing feeling in the abdomen.
- Not all aortic aneurysms require surgical repair. Some are not large enough in size to warrant surgery. However, if the aneurysm is large (up to 55 mm) or is growing at a fast rate, surgery may be indicated. There are several different kinds of surgical approaches, and the complications associated with each often depends on the surgical method. For some, surgical repair must be conducted via open surgery, which requires a large incision down the breastbone. A minimally invasive alternative is endovascular repair, in which small incisions and instruments are used to reach the aneurysm.
- The preferred method of treatment for aortic aneurysm is through medications to reduce blood pressure, thus placing less strain on the aorta. According to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, when this approach is used, the risk of death is 10 percent. However, the risk of death following surgical treatment is 30 percent. This higher percentage is based on the fact that surgery is often indicated in the those cases that are more severe and, therefore, harder to treat.
- Many complications associated with open aortic surgery stem from creating a large incision in the body. These include surgical site infection due to the large incision.
If the surgery is especially complicated or extensive, complications can include paralysis in the lower half of the body (on very rare occasions). This occurs most often in those receiving emergency surgery, according to the Society for Vascular Surgery. - Endovascular repair often involves the incorporation of stent grafts, which seek to strengthen the aorta. However, one of the chief complications associated with this surgery is leakage from the graft area, which is a condition known as endo-leak. If the endo-leak is severe, further surgery may be needed to repair the aneurysm.
- Swelling, respiratory infection or urinary infection also may occur in both procedure types as well as heart problems such as arrhythmia (fluttering heartbeat). For men, some complications can include difficulty in maintaining an erection due to damage of the nerves that control semen flow. Another side effect for males is retrograde ejaculation, which causes semen to travel toward the bladder instead of through the penis, according to the Society for Vascular Surgery.
What Is an Aortic Aneurysm?
Surgical Repair
Surgery-Related Deaths
Complications: Open Surgery
Complications: Endovascular Surgery
Shared Complications
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