my dad has to have it operated on and opened up from the chest to the stomach. What does this mean and is it dangerous as Im so worried. he has no other health problems and is 60. thank you
2007-03-19 01:19:32 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
It's referred to as a Tripple-A (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm).
I work for a surgeon & do this procedure. It's only "life-threatening" if it's a "discecting" tripple-A (meaning, it's tearing apart as we speak & the patient needs to get to the O.R. asap), or it has ruptured spontaneously (on it's own), or due to blunt trauma (hitting the steering wheel of a car during a car crash---obviouosly, NOT wearing your seatbelt).
We use a large clamp to clamp the aorta (& all this is timed by the surgeon & anesthesia cuz you're clamping a huge, main artery), excise (or cut out) the aneurysm or bad part of the aorta and replace it with a graft...usually made of Goretex material. It gets stiched directly to the existing aorta with Prolene suture and flushed with some Heparine-saline and then ya unclamp the aorta and all is well. As with any operation, there are always risks involved; but I'm sure your dad's surgeon discussed all that with him. Better to treat it now, than have it become a life-threatening emergency situation! I wish him well. He should do fine...especially since you say he is otherwise pretty healthy. :)
2007-03-19 07:20:45 · answer #1 · answered by Ms. "D" 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An aneurism is a weakness in the wall of the Aorta, which is a major blood vessel connected to the Heart. If untreated this can rupture, which is extremely serious and possibly fatal. The operation is also serious but advisable, if that is what is being suggested by your dad's Consultant. All surgery has it's risks but the alternative in this case could be far worse. I wish you and your father all the best and hope it goes well and he makes a speedy recovery.
2007-03-19 01:32:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
An aneurysm is a weakened blood vessel that has swelled, developing into a pouch or pocked of blood. Since the blood vessel is weaker than normal, it could rupture. Depending on where the aneurysm is located, this could be very serious. If it happens in the brain, it could lead to a stroke. If it happens in the abdomen, your father could bleed to death internally. Having the surgery is safer than ignoring it.
2007-03-19 01:32:54 · answer #3 · answered by Ralfcoder 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They replace the weakened part of the abdominal aorta with a artificial one. It is a major operation, but not having it done could lead to it rupturing, and then the person can bleed to death in minutes. The op is normally very sucessful.
2007-03-19 01:56:58 · answer #4 · answered by mike-from-spain 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋