Extended aortic reconstruction for dissecting aneurysm of the aorta

While lifesaving palliative surgery may be selected for dissecting aneurysm of the aorta, extended reconstructive surgery has been advocated as a more curative procedure. We performed a variety of extended reconstructive surgeries, for example, replacement of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch, subtotal replacement of the thoracic aorta, replacement of the entire descending thoracic aorta and replacement of the entire descending aorta in 20 cases of dissecting aneurysm of the aorta. However, the operative mortality remained high as 35%, and the operative procedures have not yet to be standardized. We believe that it is extremely important to strive for much greater improvement in the operative results by correct selection of the operative indications, and by improving the operative techniques and patient management during surgery.