[Surgical treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Risk factors and complications]

Between January 1985 and April 1991 156 patients underwent surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm at Nordland Regional Hospital. Of these, 90 underwent elective surgery; 36 were operated on for symptomatic aneurysm; 30 for ruptured aneurysm. The mortality rates were respectively 10%, 14% and 47%. Surgery for aortic aneurysm is on the increase. Advanced age, and associated serious cardiac disease predispose to postoperative complications and death. To reduce mortality better preoperative evaluation and treatment are essential.