Ruptured aortic aneurysms: postoperative complications and their management

Postoperative complications in 92 patients undergoing repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms are reviewed. Renal failure and cardiac complications were fatal in 74% and 85% of the patients, respectively. Preoperative renal function at the time of presentation had no correlation with the development of renal failure. All but one patient in whom the left renal vein was divided developed renal failure postoperatively. There also was a preponderance of this complication in the patients needing suprarenal aortic control. Respiratory complications were seen in 29% of patients with 22% mortality. Peripheral emboli and ischemic colitis developed in 8% and 9% of the patients, respectively.