For Debate: The Indication for Elective Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Should Be Reviewed

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) still results in around 3000 deaths in the UK every year.1 Aneurysm rupture can be prevented by planned intervention either by open aortic surgery or endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). However, not all large AAAs rupture; although opinions vary, it is estimated that between 1.5 and 3 people need to undergo elective AAA repair to prevent one death from rupture. Thus much elective aortic surgery is undertaken on people whose aneurysm would never have ruptured. They are exposed to the hazards of aortic intervention and reduced quality-of-life post-operatively for up to six months.

Source: European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery - September 11, 2020 Category: Surgery Authors: Jonothan J. Earnshaw Tags: Editorial Source Type: research