Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgery

1. What is Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgery?
It is a procedure used to repair an enlarged or weakened section of the abdominal aorta and prevent rupture or treat an aneurysm that has already ruptured.

2. When is AAA Surgery recommended?
Repair may be recommended when an aneurysm reaches a significant size, grows rapidly, causes symptoms, or has other features indicating an increased risk of rupture. Emergency surgery is required when an AAA ruptures.

3. What are the main types of AAA Surgery?
The two principal approaches are Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) and Open Surgical Repair. The choice depends largely on the aneurysm's anatomy, the patient's overall health, and urgency.

4. What is Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)?
EVAR is a minimally invasive procedure in which a stent-graft is introduced through the arteries, usually via the groin, and positioned inside the aorta to exclude the aneurysm from normal blood flow.

5. What is Open AAA Repair?
Open repair involves an abdominal incision to directly access the aorta. The diseased section is reinforced or replaced with a surgical vascular graft.

6. What tests are required before surgery?
CT angiography is usually important for assessing the aneurysm and planning treatment. Additional tests may include blood investigations, ECG, chest imaging, cardiac evaluation, and other tests based on the patient's health.

7. How long does AAA Surgery take?
The duration varies according to the procedure and complexity. EVAR may take several hours, while open repair can require longer operating time, particularly in complex or emergency cases.

8. What is recovery like after AAA Surgery?
Recovery depends on the procedure and the patient's condition. EVAR generally allows earlier mobilisation and a shorter recovery than open surgery, while open repair usually requires a longer hospital stay and recovery period.

9. What are the possible risks?
Potential complications include bleeding, infection, blood clots, kidney problems, heart or lung complications, graft-related problems, and, after EVAR, endoleak or stent-graft migration. Emergency surgery carries substantially higher risks.

10. How can Medavelle help?
Medavelle can coordinate review by an experienced vascular or cardiovascular team, arrange evaluation of CT angiography and other reports, obtain a personalized treatment estimate, and assist with hospital, travel, and treatment coordination in India.