[Infrarenal aneurysm of the abdominal aorta in the elderly--surgical risk vs. danger of rupture].

426 consecutive patients who underwent operation for the resection of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) between 1982 and 1985 were reviewed. The rate of the over 75-years old patients was 16.2%. In patients over 75 years, operated on electively, mortality was 4.2% but 47.6% in emergency cases. Compared with the younger patients the incidence of risk factors affecting mortality was only higher for myocardial insufficiency. AAA-rupture is more frequent in women. For asymptomatic AAA in the elderly an unstable angina pectoris, myocard insufficiency or incurable cancer limit operative approach because life-time will not benefit.