An aneurysm is a weakened area of an artery wall that distends outward much like a balloon. These can occur in the lower portion of the aorta, located in the abdominal area. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body that transports blood away from the heart to other areas of the body. If the abdominal aortic aneurysm expands severely, it can rupture the aorta resulting in life-threatening bleeding.
Causes of Abdominal Aneurysms
Several factors can lead to the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. These include high cholesterol, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, infections, injuries, congenital birth defects, heredity factors and smoking. Because symptoms may not occur until there is a rupture, preventative screenings should be done so treatment can be provided before a life-threatening rupture occurs. A screening is especially important for individuals who have a family history of this condition as well as men who smoke. The Society for Vascular Surgery recommends that all men and women have an abdominal ultrasound screening after they reach the age of 60.
Symptoms of an Abdominal Aneurysm
Symptoms are often unnoticed until the aneurysm grows larger. Individuals may then experience abdominal pain, back pain or pain in the groin. The pain may persist and be difficult to relieve with pain medications. When one ruptures, severe and sudden pain will be experienced as well as possible loss of consciousness. This requires emergency medical treatment.
Treating Aneurysms
Oftentimes, this condition will be found during a routine examination by a physician. If it is small and no symptoms are present, the physician may choose to watch and wait before recommending surgical treatment. The condition will be monitored closely and medications may be prescribed to help prevent growth. Unfortunately, aneurysms do not go away and most individuals will need surgical treatment eventually. For patients who are experiencing symptoms or have a large weakened area of the vascular wall, the physician will refer the patient to a vascular surgeon Oklahoma specialist who can provide the proper treatment. There are two surgical treatments that are used to repair these weakened areas of the aorta. They include open surgery and a less invasive endovascular surgery. The endovascular surgery is used whenever possible; however, the standard treatment is open surgery to replace the damaged part of the aorta using an artificial graft. An incision is made in the abdomen to expose the damaged blood vessel so the vascular surgeon can replace it with the graft. Most surgical treatments are successful although recovery periods can be long. If a rupture occurs, emergency surgery is required although the outcome is not as successful as when the condition is diagnosed and treated early.
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