Comparison of treatment methods of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) – review

Abstract

Introduction: An aneurysm of the abdominal aorta (AAA) is a local aortic dilatation, most often below the departure of renal arteries. It is becoming an increasingly common health issue amongst people over 65 years of age and poses a direct threat to life. However, early diagnosis, proper treatment and postoperative care significantly increase the chances for long-term survival. The currently available methods of treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm are surgical and include classical or endovascular approach. The classical method is an open operation consisting of the replacement of a changed section the aorta for a vascular prosthesis. Endovascular surgery protects the aneurysm from rupture by placing the peripheral vascular stent-graft access to the light of the aneurysm.

Aim and method: Comparison of two methods of treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm: classical and endovascular in patients. We searched through the PubMed database and took into consideration all of the results available as of September 2020 and outlined the current evidence regarding AAA etiology, symptoms, clinical course, diagnosis and treatment.

Results and conclusion: Both classical and endovascular methods have similar long-term survival rates. More early complications can be observed in the classical method and late complications in the endovascular one. The choice which method the patient should be treated with should depend on the operators' experience with the method and their individual approach to the patient.