LEAKING ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM REPAIR: AN ANAESTHETIC CHALLENGE

Leaking Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abstract

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common degenerative condition affecting men three times more frequently than women [1]. The overall mortality rate from aneurysm rupture is in the order of 65-85% [2]. Anaesthetic management of these patients is extremely challenging because of the significant hemodynamic changes associated with the operation, frequent coexisting cardiovascular disease as well as the risk of spinal cord renal and mesenteric ischaemic injuries .The mortality rate for patients who survive to reach hospital and undergo emergency surgery is 36% compared with 6% for elective repair [3].