[Aneurysms of the abdominal aorta]

The authors report 73 cases of abdominal aortic aneurysms with particular emphasis to early and long-term results as well as postoperative complications: 4 patients died at admission, 16 were treated with medical therapy, and 53 underwent surgery. Surgical patients were stratified in two groups: 18 emergency cases (group 1) and 35 elective cases (group 2). Early results showed the highest mortality in group 1 cases presenting with shock. Late results, at the end of the follow up, (6 months-8 years), showed a 56.6% 5-year survival rate, with overlapping survival rates after the immediate postoperative period. The most frequent postoperative complications were thrombosis of prosthesis and lymphorrhea. Survival rates of emergency cases were influenced by early diagnosis and prompt aorta clamping. Before surgery an haemodynamic evaluation of all vascular districts seems necessary in elective cases to prevent complications of atherosclerotic disease.