Aneurysm ?

Question

My father has anerusym which we incidentally found, no symptoms.Angiogram was done and it is found that aneurysm is in the blood vessel that supplies blood to brain.He is 71yrs.Docs feel that at his age and considering the location of aneurysm, surgery or grafting is not recommended.The size of aneurysm is 4.7cm.Advice of docs is to keep the bloodpressure under control,quit smoking ( he has been a smoker for a very long tome) and get the CT scan done periodically to see if there is growth.They are not ruling out the risk in not doing the surgery,but they feel that at this time surgery might be more risky.

I am worried that the aneurysm might rupture and from what I've read ruptured aneurysm is potentially fatal. So I feel surgery is better.

Any advice ?

Answer 1

It is always a risk that an aneurysm may rupture, that's true. However, there is also always a risk inherent in surgery or intravascular intervention - the trick, and what doctors are trained to do, is to guess what the risk is for each and do the safer thing.
For instance (and I can't stress enough that these numbers are completely made up, I'm not a neurosurgeon and don't know the real ones, but your surgeons should) - let's say there's a 5% chance of an aneurysm of that size and location rupturing per year, but with the location and your father's age and medical history, the risk of serious morbidity or mortality from surgery is 12%, then the best thing to do would be to not do surgery and wait until either the risk of one or the other changes such that the risk of waiting becomes greater.
I know that's not the most satisfying answer in the world, but doctors have to make these decisions all the time, if you don't agree with your surgeons, you can always get another opinion, but be aware that this is the calculation being made, and that sometimes doing something is worse than doing nothing.

Answer 2

This is heartbreaking and you are very brave talking about it and bravo for researching into this condition in order that you can make informed choices. As part of the medical profession I feel that getting medical advice from the correct sources is vital, and your fathers doctor is the best place to start. If you are unhappy with this advice you must seek an alternative opinion until you are happy. What you must remember is that if all these doctors are recommending the same treatment, then they must be right.

I work in the operating theatre, and unfortunately see patent's dying during surgery. A condition such as your dad's is very serious and could be fatal for him at any time. Unfortunately the symptoms for this sometimes go undetected and many patients suddenly die. Of those who are diagnosed immediate operations are not always the option. Making lifestyle changes is always a good thing and it sounds as if your fathers doctors will be watching the aneurysm for any changes. What you must be aware of is that surgery holds risks and these risks are considerably higher as we get older and he may go on to live a good few years yet. So my advice to you is unfortunately quiet sad but enjoy each and every minute that you can with your dad and make memories that will last you and your family a lifetime.

Answer 3

there have been quite a few learn demonstrating that some cerebral aneurysms (possibly 10%) could have a genetic factor. even with the actuality that the character of hereditary aneurysms isn't totally understood, quite a few centers (which contain the dep. of Neurological surgical operation at Columbia college) are actively reading this area. Cerebral aneurysms have been as quickly as theory to be a congenital (from beginning) abnormality. on an identical time as this could be authentic sometimes, learn have shown that aneurysms might properly be led to by ability of fairly some components. very frequently, aneurysms improve from a weakening interior the structural layer of an artery which permits the growth of an aneurysm. intense blood tension (high blood pressure) and atherosclerosis (lipid buildup interior the artery wall) can sell aneurysm growth and rupture. particular infections interior the blood might reason a definite style of aneurysm called a mycotic aneurysm.

Answer 4

Get a second and third opinion from different Dr.'s See a specialist. You are right, it probably would be fatal if it ruptured. The question is- what are the chances that surgery to repair it would be fatal? Is it worth the risk or should he just enjoy the time he has left? Only the Dr.'s can give you a clear picture and help you and your dad decide what is best. Tricky situation, good luck!

Answer 5

Yes, but why put him through that? They said that it had to do with his age AND the location of the aneurysm that they don't suggest it. Of course you feel surgery is better because you don't want to lose your father. I understand. But the aneurysm might never rupture. He could live another 10-15 years with controlled BP and not smoking. Just enjoy him and make sure you say all the things you always wanted to.
Should do that anyway.

Answer 6

Brain surgery for the aneurysm carries as much or more risk than the risk of the aneurysm rupturing. Trust the neurosurgeons.

Answer 7

If the Doctors thought your father's life was in IMMEDIATE danger they would recommend surgery (unless you have VERY careless Doctors).
They ARE planning to keep an eye on it with CT scans. I'm SURE if there are ANY changes they will update their advice.
Just keep in mind that SOMETIMES (especially in older people) surgery is more dangerous than the original condition.

Answer 8

The Doctors know best about this one

Answer 9

odd you should ask
i had one 13 yrs ago and im still here,
even if they would have known mine was there it was inoperable.;
it could stay there for years and not bother him.
again it could rupture tomorrow.
i had mine from birth dr, thinks.
good luck

Answer 10

The common sense advice is to listen to the DOCTOR.