Ian A Thomson1, Fern Goh, Vicki Livingstone, Andre M van Rij. 1. Vascular Society of New Zealand, and Section of Surgery, Dunedin School of Medicine, Dunedin Hospital, Dunedin, New Zealand. ian.thomson@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an important cause of mortality for the aged, a group that has been denied surgery in the past for fear of peri-operative mortality. Is this attitude still justified? METHODS: Analysis of prospectively gathered data from a vascular database. RESULTS: 10.9% of all open AAA operations were in patients older than 79 years with an 8% mortality rate compared to 3% for younger patients. For fit elderly patients with ASA scores less than 3, mortality was just under 4%. Renal failure and wound dehiscence were more common in the elderly. CONCLUSION: When endovascular repair is not possible in a fit elderly patient, open surgery can be performed with acceptable results.
BACKGROUND:Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an important cause of mortality for the aged, a group that has been denied surgery in the past for fear of peri-operative mortality. Is this attitude still justified? METHODS: Analysis of prospectively gathered data from a vascular database. RESULTS: 10.9% of all open AAA operations were in patients older than 79 years with an 8% mortality rate compared to 3% for younger patients. For fit elderly patients with ASA scores less than 3, mortality was just under 4%. Renal failure and wound dehiscence were more common in the elderly. CONCLUSION: When endovascular repair is not possible in a fit elderly patient, open surgery can be performed with acceptable results.