[Aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. Results of surgical therapy]

According to experiences in treating more than 400 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) following statements can be made: 1. Diagnosis of an AAA is identical with indication for surgical treatment. Only in cases of extremely high operative risk (aggravating organ deficiencies especially of heart and lungs) an expectant attitude is justified. 2. Preoperative angiography is considered to be desirable. 3. Rupture of the aneurysm depends on size and form, but small sized aneurysms can rupture as well. 4. It is of advantage to have the patients prepared preoperatively for several days for minimizing the operative risk. 5. Long follow-up results are good, the operation is able to prolong life expectancy of these patients.