Survival and aortic events after graft replacement for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm

Graft replacement remains the procedure of choice for patients with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Since there is little information regarding the long-term survival following these major vascular operations which may carry a risk of various late complications, a retrospective analysis of 10 years follow-up was undertaken. The results of 172 consecutive operations for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm were analysed retrospectively. Hospital mortality rate was 10.5%. Temporary postoperative haemodialysis was necessary in 10.4% of cases and paraplegia occurred in 8.2%. The mean (s.e.) overall cumulative 2-, 5- and 10-year observed survival rate was 76(3.4), 53(4.5) and 19(7)%, respectively while expected survival of a background population at 2, 5 and 10 years was 94%, 85% and 71%, respectively. Reoperation for an early (< 7 days) or late (> 7 days) aortic event was necessary in 31 patients. If performed electively, the hospital mortality rate for late aortic reoperation was only 7% but an emergency reoperation, hospital mortality rate was 100%.