Indications for the surgical treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms

BACKGROUND: On the basis of a literature review and of personal experience, the authors analyze the main indications and the best strategy for elective surgical repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: Personal experience concerning elective surgical treatment of 110 patients with infrarenal AAA, is presented. RESULTS: No operative deaths have been observed and the postoperative recovery was regular in 108 patients. Two early complications (colon ischemia) and ten late postoperative complications (5 pseudoaneurysms, 5 sexual dysfunctions) occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The main therapeutic guidelines concerning the management of AAA should follow specific indications (aneurysm dimensions and growth rates). Indications for operative repair of aneurysms obviously should be judged in relation to the presence or absence of associated risk factors or concomitant medical conditions. In most cases, aneurysm repair can be performed safely, despite associated medical risks, by careful preoperative evaluation and preparation.