Upper Abdominal Surgery: AAA Repair

Question 1

What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

Answer 1

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is bulging, weakened area in the wall of aorta resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning greater than 50% of the vessel’s normal diameter

Question 2

Morality rate for an AAA rupture can be up to ____%

Answer 2

90%

Question 3

What are the two approaches for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair?

Answer 3

• Open Repair

- Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)

Question 4

What kind of incision for an AAA open repair?

Answer 4

Longitudinal abdominal incision

Question 5

During the open repair there is resection of the aneurysm and replacement by a graft. Grafts can be made of various materials such as the

Answer 5

Dacron (textile polyester synthetic graft)

Question 6

How long is the hospital stay for an AAA Open Repair?

Answer 6

7-10 day hospital stay

Question 7

what are the possible risk factors for AAA repair

Answer 7

Tobacco smoking
Alcohol and hypertension
Genetic influences
Atherosclerosis

Question 8

Presentation of AAA?

Answer 8

• Could be asymptomatic
• Possible lower back/groin/abdominal pain
• If ruptured there will be extreme pain in these locations
• Bleeding usually leads to hypovolemic shock (coupled with hypotension, tachycardia, cyanosis and altered mental status)

Question 9

Drips and Drains

Answer 9

• IV
• Nasogastric Tube (possible)
• Urinary Catheter (measuring output)
• Oxygen
• Drains (abdominal drain for abdominal incision)

Question 10

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) involves a stent-like graft (often a Dacron) being inserted through the

Answer 10

Femoral artery and advanced up to the aorta to the site of the aneurysm

Question 11

Patients are usually admitted to the ICU following surgery for monitoring for how long

Answer 11

1-2 days