Live Life Team
An aneurysm occurs in aorta which is the largest artery present in the human body. The condition can cause a blockage in aorta after building fatty deposits on the artery wall. As per the survey conducted, the condition is most common in men especially ones suffering from high blood pressure and age ranging from 65 and above. To treat this, doctor will go for an operation to insert a graft or artificial blood vessel into aorta. They will seal above as well as below aneurysm and remove its contact with the wall. Some of the habits and conditions like smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, raised cholesterol, lack of exercise and obesity are major factors which lead to aneurysm. In case the condition is left untreated, it can lead to heart attack which in turn could even cause death of the person.
Why it should be done
Treatment is based on the size of the aneurysm. As per study, if it is less than 5.5 cm, it is advisable that patient goes for surgery. In case of bigger size, there are chances of leakage which is a terrifying situation. In case it bursts, internal bleeding takes place which is extremely alarming. It is an emergency situation for the doctor and shall need immediate operation. In case the size of the aneurysm is small enough, surgery may not be needed. The doctor will suggest normal scans to ensure that size of aneurysm doesn’t increase. It’s advisable to stop smoking and start eating healthy food, controlling blood pressure as well as sugar levels to avoid any type of complications at the time of surgery. In case, patient feels any kind of pain, then it’s better to take immediate doctor assistance.
Getting ready
It is always better that patient should have ample amount of information about the treatment as well as operation which is going to be conducted. Doctor will provide the videos of the surgery conducted earlier. After getting discharged from hospital, it’s also advisable to take bath with lukewarm water which can give a fresh feeling to the patient. The family members can also keep all the necessary things at the bed side of the patient so that proper care can be taken of all necessities. A week’s time after operation, patient needs to go for regular check up. Doctor may want to do ECG, X-rays, blood test as well as urine test to ensure that patient’s heart is working fine.
How it is performed
Based on the shape, size and location of the aneurysm, surgeon will go for either open surgery or Endovascular aneurysm repair. In case of open heart surgery, recovery is slower but the patient won’t be required to go for frequent check ups to the doctor. In case of Endovascular aneurysm repair, the recovery is faster but long term success of stent graft is still not known.
Complications
Risk of death is about 5% in case of open surgery. After the procedure, there are chances of infection as well as the production of blood clots. In fewer cases, other organs gets affected with the surgery.
