Open surgery for aortic aneurysm Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, March 2009.
Answers to questions about open surgery for aortic aneurysm
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Is surgery the only option if I have an aneurysm?
- Can I opt to have endovascular repair instead of open surgery?
- Will I be able to drive after my surgery?
Is surgery the only option if I have an aneurysm?
Surgery is usually only recommended if your aneurysm is at risk of bursting. If the risk of this happening is low, your doctor will carefully monitor your condition and may suggest you make some lifestyle changes.
Explanation
Because the operation itself carries some risks, surgery is usually only recommended if your aneurysm is at risk of bursting. If your aneurysm is small (less than 5.5cm), then it's very unlikely to burst.
Your doctor will probably suggest you have regular ultrasound checks to see if the aneurysm grows over time. Doctors call this 'watchful waiting' or surveillance.
Your doctor may also suggest some other measures that you can try to stop your aneurysm from getting bigger or from bursting. These might include stopping smoking and taking medicines to control your blood pressure and cholesterol. These measures can prevent the build-up of fatty deposits in your arteries - the main cause of aneurysms.
Sources
- Kumar P, Clark M. Clinical Medicine. 6th ed. London: Elsevier, 2005:868-869
- Kasper DL, Fauci AS, Longo DL, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 16th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005:1481-1485
- Aortic aneurysm and dissection - questions. British Heart Foundation. www.bhf.org.uk, accessed 19 March 2008
Can I opt to have endovascular repair instead of open surgery?
Your doctor will advise you on whether open surgery or endovascular repair will be better for you. Endovascular repair is not suitable for everybody.
Explanation
For some people, having endovascular repair is not possible, due to the location or shape of their aneurysm or size of the arteries in the groin. Even for those people who are suitable for the procedure, open surgery is still often considered to be the better option - especially for those who are young and otherwise fit.
This is because there is a need for life-long follow-up after endovascular repair and a risk of needing further treatment, which outweighs the small benefit of having this type of procedure for many people.
Sources
- Greenhalgh RM, Powell JT. Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm. N Engl J Med 2008; 358:494-501
- The EVAR Trial Participants. Endovascular aneurysm repair versus open repair in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (EVAR Trial 1): randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2005; 365(9478):2179-2186
Will I be able to drive after my surgery?
You will be able to drive once you have recovered from your surgery.
Explanation
You will need to notify the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you are diagnosed as having an aneurysm with a diameter of 6cm or more. However, you will be allowed to continue driving as long as your aneurysm isn't more than 6.5cm in diameter, and you either have a satisfactory medical test or you have surgery to repair the aneurysm.
You shouldn't drive after surgery until you are able to perform an emergency stop safely. This may take a few weeks. You should check with your doctor if you aren't sure.
Further information
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
www.dvla.gov.uk
Sources
- At a glance guide to the current medical standards of fitness to drive. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, February 2008. www.dvla.gov.uk
- Aortic aneurysm - the operation explained. The Circulation Foundation. www.circulationfoundation.org.uk, accessed 31 March 2008
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: March 2009
Open surgery for aortic aneurysm factsheet
Visit the open surgery for aortic aneurysm health factsheet for more information.
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