[Simple vs bifurcated graft operations in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm]

We analysed 148 patients treated surgically from 1992-1997 because of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). All patients were divided into two groups: group I--118 (79.7%) patients operated with the implantation of the straight graft and group II--30(20.3%) with the bifurcated graft. The aim of the study was to analyse early (30 days after operation) complications in both groups. The mortality rate was 8.5% for group I and 26.7% for group II. The mortality was also analysed according to AAA symptoms (asymptomatic, symptomatic and ruptured). The death rate in asymptomatic patients from group I was 1.1% versus 13.3% in group II. In symptomatic patients the difference was not statistically significant--20% in group I versus 22.2% in group II. The mortality rate in patients with ruptured AAA was 50% for group I and 66.7% for group II. The early morbidity rate was significantly higher in the second group(p < 0.05) although coexisting diseases were similar for both groups. According to our material we conclude, that operation of AAA should be finished in abdomen if there is only technical possibility. It is especially important for patients with ruptured AAA.