What is Aortic aneurysm Surgery?

The primary artery that pumps blood from your heart to the rest of your body, the aorta, can widen and bulge outward, a condition known as an aortic aneurysm. If it occurs in the chest, it's called a thoracic aortic aneurysm. When it develops in the abdomen, it's called an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Thoracoabdominal aneurysm refers to one affecting the chest and abdomen at the same time.

Sometimes, non-surgical approaches can be used to manage aortic aneurysms; however, a significant risk to life exists if they grow or develop any symptoms that may lead to rupture. Treating aortic aneurysms prevents rupture. Traditionally, open surgery or aortic aneurysm repair is the way to treat an aortic aneurysm. During open heart surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm, your aorta is accessed through an incision in your chest or belly.

Who needs to have Open Aortic Aneurysm Surgery?

It is necessary for patients who have a dissected or ruptured aortic aneurysm. It is an emergency surgery procedure that might save your life. If you have an aneurysm that is potentially going to rupture but has not yet, you may need this kind of operation. The higher it grows or as it gets more symptomatic, the larger the risk becomes.

You need immediate surgery if your aneurysm ruptures or dissects. Contact your physician if any of these signs appear:

• Sweaty, clammy skin.
• Feeling faint-headed.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Elevated heart rate.
• Feeling sick and vomiting may occur.
• Irregular breathing.
• An abrupt and intense pain in your legs, lower back, or abdomen.
• Sudden sharp stab-like pain in your back or chest.

People who have an aneurysm that could burst

• Severe pain in your inner thigh, groin, chest, lower back or abdomen
• A pulsing sensation in your abdomen
• Breathing problems, hoarseness, or coughing
• A larger aneurysm with a diameter of 5 centimeters or larger
• An aneurysm is enlarging rapidly and grows more than one centimeter per year in size

You will discuss your specific situation and treatment options with your physician. Your consultant will review how large an aneurysm is, where it is located, and what are the risks of rupture.

What happens before the procedure?

• Your doctor will discuss the procedure and address all your concerns. A signature from you will be required to validate the consent form. Before any treatment, some medical history, a physical examination, and further diagnostic tests, including some blood tests, may be undertaken.
• You would be required to fast for eight hours and inform your doctor if you are pregnant, sensitive to medications, latex, iodine, tape, contrast dyes, anesthetic agents, or if you have a bleeding disorder or even anticoagulant medicines.
• Before the surgery, you might be told to stop their intake. Quit smoking before surgery, receive medication for sedation, shave surgical site areas, and consult your doctor for specific preparations based on your medical condition to promote recovery and overall health.

What happens during the procedure?

Hospitalization is necessary to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Depending on your health and your doctor's methods, several procedures might be performed.

An open repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm often goes like this:

• Before treatment, remove all jewelry, clothes, and bladder. Insert an IV line in your arm or hand, catheters in your neck to monitor your heart and blood pressure, and catheters in your wrists to obtain blood samples.
• You will be placed on an operating table under the supervision of an anaesthesiologist during the procedure. Urine will be drained via a catheter, and a ventilator and breathing tube will be implanted. The surgical area will be disinfected with an antiseptic liquid.
• The doctor inserts a clamp into the aorta after making an incision in the belly to temporarily stop blood flow. To join the two ends of the aorta, they cut open the aneurysm sac and suture a graft into place. Once the clamps are removed, the aneurysm wall is wrapped around the graft.
• After surgery, sterile bandages are placed, incisions are sutured, and stomach contents are evacuated via a tube. The patient moved to the PACU (post-anesthesia care unit) or ICU.

What happens after the procedure?

After the procedure, the patient could be brought to the ICU for observation after being moved to the recovery area. Until they are stable enough to breathe on their own, they might have a breathing tube in their throat to help with breathing. When the patient is conscious and able to cough, the breathing tube is taken out. As needed, painkillers may be given, and specific intravenous drugs may be recommended to stop bleeding. The patient can begin consuming liquids once their condition has stabilized, and they can progressively transition to solid foods. If a drainage tube is needed, it will be taken out after the intestinal function is back to normal. After surgery, the patient is sent to a post-surgical nursing unit, where they continue to heal.

What are the benefits of aneurysm surgery?

Your life may be saved with aneurysm surgery. It can stop the rupture or dissection of an aneurysm. Repairing damage from an aneurysm rupture or dissection can also be done in an emergency.

When endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is not an option, open surgery is a good alternative. An EVAR stent graft, for instance, may not always match the contours of the patient's aorta, in which case open surgery would be required.

What are the complications and side effects of aneurysm surgery?

Surgery for aneurysms may save your life. But it's essential to know what risks and challenges one might face. Among them are:

• Loss of blood.
• Thrombus formation.
• Respiration difficulties.
• Injuries to guts or alternate body parts.
• Cardiac failure or cerebrovascular accident.
• Contamination in a graft.
• Respiratory system, urinary organization, or abdominal cavity infection.
• Renal shutdown.
• Nerve injury.
• Spinal cord trauma.

Discuss any potential risks with your provider and inquire about the ones that are more likely given your particular health situation. Risks and problems vary depending on the individual.

There is always danger associated with surgery. However, your surgical team will try to provide a safe and effective procedure.

How long does it take to recover from aneurysm surgery?

In the hospital, three to ten days will pass as you recover. It's not the same for everyone. After their discharge from the hospital, others may require some time in a rehabilitation center. That is where you come back to regain your strength and freedom. For most people, they feel completely recovered after four to six weeks. Some may take two to three more months to feel normal again.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

After having an aneurysm surgically repaired, be mindful of your feelings. If you have any of these issues, give your provider a call.

Incision problems that can cause:

• Redness
• Pain,
• Swelling,
• Blood soaking through the bandage,
• Green or yellow drainage,
• Edges of the incision are coming apart.

Other symptoms include pain in the chest, back, abdomen, legs, and arms; dizziness; fainting; blood in the cough; chills or fever; and blood in the stools.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Aortic aneurysm surgery?

Tender Palm Hospital, owned by doctors, is renowned for attracting the most skilled professionals in the country. With the vascular surgeons specialized in aortic aneurysm surgery. Tender Palm stands out as the one of the best hospital for vascular surgeries in Lucknow, India. Boasting cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technology, Tender Palm ensures top-notch medical care for its patients.

To seek an expert consultation for any vascular condition

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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