[Replacement of the infrarenal aorta in advanced age].

Between 1975 and 1986, infrarenal aortic replacement, due to aneurysm, was performed on 80 patients (mean age 78.4 +/- 3.2 years, 63 men, 17 women). From 28 electively operated patients one died (3.6%), and from 26 urgently operated symptomatic patients, 23.1% (n = 6). Following emergency operations due to rupture, the lethality rate was 50% (13/26). The figures for patients under 75 years of age were: 4.3% (12/277), 10.6% (7/66) and 40.9% (47/125). An analysis of patients, operated in an emergency, on account of ruptured aneurysm or with symptoms, showed that significant cardiovascular and pulmonary risk factors existed. The risk of electively operated patients older than 75 years is not higher than for younger patients. In our opinion, limitation of indication for operation, due to higher age, is not justified.