General Information
DEFINITION--A surgical procedure to remove an aneurysm (a swelling, dilatation
or ballooning of a blood vessel due to weakening that is caused by disease, injury or a
congenital defect in the artery wall).
BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Aneurysms can form anywhere in the body. The most common
sites are the aorta and the arteries supplying the brain.
REASONS FOR SURGERY
- Heart problems.
- Pressure of an aneurysm on surrounding structures.
- Reduce risk of blood clots.
- Relieve symptoms.
SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH
- Obesity; smoking.
- Recent or chronic illness such as: severe heart attack; high blood pressure; thyroid
disease; or diabetes mellitus.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Chronic congestive heart failure (advanced).
What To Expect
WHO OPERATES-Cardiovascular surgeon; vascular surgeon.
WHERE PERFORMED-Hospital.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Before surgery: Blood studies; chest x-ray; cardiac catheterization; ECG; sonogram (See Glossary for all).
- During surgery: ECG; angiograms (See Glossary).
- After surgery: ECG; chest x-ray; sonogram.
ANESTHESIA-General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed
in the windpipe.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION--
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Surgical wound infection.
- Excessive bleeding.
- Blood clot to leg or kidney and other areas.
- Continued heartbeat irregularities.
AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY-7 to 10 days.
PROBABLE OUTCOME--Improved effectiveness of heart function and reduced
likelihood of heartbeat irregularities. Allow 6 weeks for recovery from surgery.
Postoperative Care
† Move and elevate legs frequently while resting in bed to decrease the
likelihood of deep--vein blood clots.
MEDICATION--
† To help recovery and aid your well--
being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as possible.
- Wait 1 month after returning home before attempting to drive. > Resume sexual
relations when your doctor determines that healing is complete. > Ask your doctor for
advice about an exercise rehabilitation program.
DIET---As directed by your doctor.
Call Your Doctor If
† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.
- You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill
feeling and fever.
- You experience new symptoms, such as a cough, heartbeat irregularities, leg pain or
constipation.
- New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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