[Ruptured aneurysm of the abdominal aorta]

Rupture of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta is a severe abdominal emergency requiring urgent surgical intervention. The mortality rate is high since mostly elderly patients are involved with associated cardiovascular diseases and the presence of hemorrhagic shock. Prolonged hypotension may lead to renal and cardiovascular failure. The authors treated three cases of abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture under field conditions. One of the patients survived. Surgical procedure is indicated in each case of abdominal aortic rupture and the operation has to be performed early and with technical perfection. Neither advanced age nor other risk factors are contraindications to surgical intervention, since without operation the condition is inevitably fatal.