Aortic Aneurysm Repair Complications


Aortic Aneurysm Repair Complications: Risks of General Anesthesia

One of the Aortic Aneurysm Repair Complications are those risks which are associated with general anesthesia not associated with the aortic aneurysm repair. Additional risks of cardiopulmonary bypass are not associated with surgical repair. Depending on the type of aneurysm involved, the risks can differ significantly.

Aortic Aneurysm Repair Complications of the Surgical Procedure

Since blood flow to the spinal cord is jeopardized by the surgical repair, thoracic aorta aneurysm repair carries a relatively high rate of paralysis. Ascending arch aneurysms may jeopardize coronary blood flow and aortic valve function. Infection of the sternum can influence recovery time. Renal function can be impacted by abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Long-term Aortic Aneurysm Repair Complications

Renal function may improve or remain compromised. Long term complications associated with the abdominal surgery include intra-abdominal adhesions, small bowel obstructions, and incisional hernia. Aortic arch aneurysms carry a risk of brain damage associated with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

Aortic Aneurysm Repair Complications: Morbidity and mortality rates

During 1999 over 15,000 deaths in the United States were attributed to aortic aneurysm as reported by the American Heart Association. Without treatment, the five-year survival rate is 13%. The Multicenter Aneurysm Screening Group studied non-emergent abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, showing a 2–6% mortality rate at 30 days post surgery. Emergency surgeries demonstrate 37% mortality. In another study, treatment of cardiac disease by open heart surgery, not cardiac catheterization intervention, demonstrated a better outcome prior to elective treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm.

During treatment of thoracic aneurysm repair the incidence of paraplegia is 6–10%.

Cardiac function can be compromised in all patients with thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysms. Hemorrhage is of frequent concern and is more of a risk as the number of suture lines increases. Forty to seventy percent of all deaths can be contributed to cardiac malfunction and blood loss.