[Surgery of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Are the results compatible with the effort?]

During 1979-1988 218 patients were operated on for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. On admission 110 patients (50%) were in shock. Patients with a systolic blood pressure less than 100 mmHg, anuria on admission, peroperative bleeding of more than five litres and aged more than 70 years had an increased mortality. The intraoperative mortality was 15% and the postoperative mortality 21%. The perioperative mortality decreased from 45% in 1979 to 32% in 1988. The most frequent complications were renal failure and respiratory insufficiency, both were associated with a mortality of more than 50%. The five year survival was 48%. This study has revealed that patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm have an acceptable prognosis. The investigation emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and elective operation to avoid rupture.