ANEURYSMECTOMY SURGERY
Aneurysmectomy is a surgical procedure performed to repair a weak area in the aorta. The aorta is the largest artery in the body and the main blood vessel leading away from the heart.
The purpose of aneurysmectomy is to repair an aortic aneurysm that is likely to rupture if left in place. Aneurysmectomy is indicated for an aortic aneurysm that grows to at least 2 in or for an aortic aneurysm of any size that is symptomatic, tender, or enlarging rapidly.
Aneurysmectomy may not be appropriate for patients with severely debilitating diseases such as cancer, emphysema, and heart failure.
The aorta is the largest artery in your body, and it carries oxygen-rich blood pumped out of, or away from, your heart. Your aorta runs through your chest, where it is called the thoracic aorta. When it reaches your abdomen, it is called the abdominal aorta. The abdominal aorta supplies blood to the lower part of the body. In the abdomen, just below the navel, the aorta splits into two branches, called the iliac arteries, which carry blood into each leg.
Purpose
The purpose of aneurysmectomy is to repair an aortic aneurysm that is likely to rupture if left in place. Aneurysmectomy is indicated for an aortic aneurysm that grows to at least 2 in(5 cm) or for an aortic aneurysm of any size that is symptomatic, tender, or enlarging rapidly.
What are the symptoms?
Although you may initially not feel any symptoms with AAA, if you develop symptoms, you may experience one or more of the following : –
- A pulsing feeling in your abdomen, similar to a heartbeat
- Severe, sudden pain in your abdomen or lower back. If this is the case, your aneurysm may be about to burst
- On rare occasions, your feet may develop pain, discoloration, or sores on the toes or feet because of material shed from the aneurysm
If your aneurysm bursts, you may suddenly feel intense weakness, dizziness, or pain, and you may eventually lose consciousness. This is a life-threatening situation and you should seek medical attention immediately.
Risk factors for aneurysms are similar to those found in other cardiovascular disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), high blood pressure (hypertension), atherosclerosis, connective tissue disorders (Marfan’s syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis), and some congenital disorders.
What causes an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Physicians and researchers are not quite sure what actually causes an AAA to form in some people. The leading thought is that the aneurysm may be caused by inflammation in the aorta, which may cause its wall to weaken or break down. Some researchers believe that this inflammation can be associated with atherosclerosis (also called hardening of the arteries) or risk factors that contribute to atherosclerosis, such as high blood pressure (hypertension) and smoking. In atherosclerosis fatty deposits, called plaque, build up in an artery. Over time, this buildup causes the artery to narrow, stiffen and possibly weaken. Besides atherosclerosis, other factors that can increase your risk of AAA include : –
- Being a man older than 60 years
- Having an immediate relative, such as a mother or brother, who has had AAA
- Having high blood pressure
- Smoking
Precautions
Aneurysmectomy may not be appropriate for patients with severely debilitating diseases such as cancer, emphysema, and heart failure.
