[Aneurysm of the infrarenal abdominal aorta]

The experience with 125 consecutive patients who underwent operations for infrarenal aortic aneurysm is presented. Two intervals of four years each were reviewed and compared: period A (1970-1974) and period B (1975-1978). With a simpler and shorter technique (dissection method), and more frequent operations (+72%), the operative mortality in cases of nonruptured aneurysms decreased from 14.3% (A) to 2,1% (B); in cases of ruptured aneurysms, from 61,1% (A) to 48,4% (B). In cases of elective operation there was no significant correlation of mortality to age, concomitant coronary disease (52,5%), and occlusive disease of peripheral vessels. The improved results are due to simplification and standardization of operative procedures and to use of efficient intensive care possibilities.