Vascular Condition
Aneurysm Management
An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge or ballooning in the wall of a blood vessel. The most common and serious type is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), affecting the main artery in the abdomen. Aneurysms can also affect the popliteal artery and other peripheral vessels. Without treatment, large aneurysms carry a significant risk of rupture, which is life-threatening.
Symptoms
- Most aneurysms are asymptomatic and found incidentally
- A pulsating sensation in the abdomen
- Deep, constant pain in the abdomen or back
- Sudden severe abdominal or back pain (may indicate rupture — emergency)
- Leg pain or cold, pale limb (popliteal aneurysm with clot)
Causes & Risk Factors
- Atherosclerosis and hypertension
- Smoking — major risk factor for AAA
- Family history of aneurysm
- Age over 65 years and male sex
- Connective tissue disorders (e.g., Marfan syndrome)
- Previous vascular surgery or infection
Treatment
The decision to intervene depends on the size of the aneurysm, its rate of growth, and the patient's fitness. Small aneurysms are managed with regular surveillance. Larger aneurysms require repair, either by endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) or by open surgical repair in selected cases.
Recovery & Aftercare
EVAR involves a short hospital stay of two to three days and a faster recovery than open repair. Open repair requires a longer hospital stay and several weeks of recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
In general, AAAs larger than 5.5 cm in diameter, or those growing rapidly or causing symptoms, are considered for repair.
Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive procedure where a stent-graft is inserted through small incisions in the groin to seal the aneurysm from inside the artery.
When to Seek Medical Advice
- Sudden severe back or abdominal pain — seek emergency care immediately
- If you have known risk factors for AAA and have not been screened
- Known smaller aneurysm requiring surveillance