Treatment of the ruptured abdominal aorta

Prompt, well-conceived surgical intervention during the critical early minutes after rupture of the abdominal aorta is capable of increasing the salvage of this not uncommon emergency. The demanding intraoperative and postoperative complications must be anticipated and coped with effectively if the present plateau of survival is to be improved. Alternative technical approaches in controlling exsanguinating aortic blood flow are available and are worthwhile additions to the armamentarium of the surgeon. The advantages of the transthoracic approach for control of hemorrhage are emphasized and should be resorted to in selected patients.