Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abstract

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are most often infrarenal and are typically atherosclerotic although many theories as to their formation are under study. The incidence of AAAs is increasing and resection can extend life. The natural history of these aneurysms is for them to expand and rupture especially when greater than 5 cm. Many surgeons, however, electively repair aneurysms greater than 4 cm in young, healthy patients based on the observation that the majority eventually undergo repair anyway. Regardless of size, leaking or symptomatic aneurysms require urgent repair.