Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in obese patients: improved outcome after endovascular treatment compared with open...

To investigate outcomes in obese patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) treated with elective open or endovascular repair (EVAR).

We compared the outcomes of obese patients with AAA treated with elective open repair and EVAR. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) > or =30 kg/m( 2).

A total of 56 patients with a BMI > or =30 kg/m(2) were identified for analysis (mean age 70 +/- 8 years; mean BMI 34 +/- 4 kg/m(2), and 95% [n = 53] were male). Open surgery was performed in 55% (n = 31). The in-hospital complication rate (including nonsurvivors) was significantly increased after open repair compared with EVAR (26% vs 4%, P = .033). Mortality did not differ significantly during 3 years of follow-up (P = .816). Length of stay, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and need for ventilation were significantly increased after open surgery compared with EVAR.

We observed improved short-term outcomes among obese AAA patients after EVAR compared to open repair. Endovascular repair may be preferable in obese patients with AAA.