[Mortality and survival after surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm. A 10-year follow-up]

From 1979-1988, 656 patients were operated for abdominal aortic aneurysm. The perioperative mortality was 18%. The mortalities for elective, symptomatic and ruptured aneurysms were 5%, 17% and 38% respectively. The overall five year survival rate was 58%. In 87% of the patients one or more risk factor was found. Survival was unaffected in patients with a single risk factor, whereas patients with two or more risk factors had lower five year survival. Postoperative organ failure increased the perioperative mortality and the five year survival in patients with multiorgan failure was 20%. In view of the fact that 56% of the patients are operated on as emergencies, this study stresses the importance of early diagnosis and elective treatment.