ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM SURGERY - LOCAL EXPERIENCE

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of AAA referred to our unit by general surgeons/physiciansMaterial and Methods: This study was conducted from Jan 1996 to Dec 2001. 25 AAA were referred. Age range 18-75 years (mean 54 years) male 19, female 6. Eight out of 25 patients presented with dissecting leaking AAA while 16 presented with non-specific symptoms. Diagnoses were made only by doppler ultrasound.Results: Out of 8 leaking AAA 2 patients were not operated because of low pressure and no response to resuscitative measures. Six patients underwent surgery but we lost 4 out of which 1 had table death, 2 patients died on 3rd and 5th post operation day because of Acute MI, 4th patient died on 4th post operative day because of graft thrombosis. Two patients survived the operation and went home on the 10th post operation day. Out of the non-dissected group of AAA all the patients survived surgery and discharged home on the average 10th post operation day.Conclusion: Non-specific abdominal pains radiating to back especially in the elderly should be thoroughly investigated keeping in mind the AAA and they may be referred to the respective center for proper management.