How well does endovascular repair for an abdominal aortic aneurysm work?
When an aortic aneurysm is at risk of rupturing, or bursting open, the benefits of repairing the aneurysm can outweigh the risks. Repairing the aneurysm lowers the risk of rupture and can help a person live longer. Repairing a smaller aneurysm, which doesn't have as high a risk of rupture, does not help a person live longer.
What are the risks of endovascular repair for an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
An endovascular repair isn't an open surgery. So it doesn't have the risks or complications of a major surgery, and the recovery time is shorter. But there is a higher risk that you will need another procedure or surgery.
About 1 or 2 out of 100 people die during surgery or within 30 days after surgery.
Complications include bleeding, infection, and problems with the stent graft. A common complication is a leak around the stent graft.
After endovascular aortic aneurysm repair: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have severe trouble breathing.
- You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood or foamy, pink mucus.
- You have a lump that is getting bigger under your skin where the incisions were made in your groin.
- You have severe pain in your belly.
- You have chest pain or pressure. This may occur with:
- Sweating.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Pain that spreads from the chest to the neck, jaw, or one or both shoulders or arms.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- A fast or uneven pulse.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or increased shortness of breath.
- You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
- You are sick to your stomach or cannot keep fluids down.
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You have a fever over 100°F.
- You have loose stitches, or one of your incisions comes open.
- Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage over your incisions.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the incisions.
- Pus draining from the incisions.
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin.
- A fever.
- You have signs of a blood clot, such as:
- Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Redness and swelling in your leg or groin.
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have sudden weight gain, such as 3 pounds or more in 2 to 3 days.
- You have increased swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet.
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