[Endovascular technique in aortic aneurysm. A promising alternative to open surgery]

The article consists in a presentation of endovascular surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in 23 cases. Two cases required conversion to open surgery, but the procedure could be completed in the remaining 21 cases, with a current duration of follow-up of up to 30 months. There was early leakage in one case, and late leakage in five cases. Late conversion has been necessary in three instances, and supplementary endovascular measures have been required in a further two instances. All complications have occurred in those cases operated during the first half of the study period. Modification of the endoprosthesis used and increasing skill have reduced both operation time and the complication rate. Intensive care is no longer required, and the median duration of hospitalisation is three days. Follow-up with magnetic resonance imaging has yielded new and important information.