Treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA)

Information for patients and carers

This leaflet tells you about treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Repair of an AAA is a surgical procedure that is usually carried out when the risk of an AAA rupturing (bursting) is higher than the risk of an operation. Your aneurysm may have reached a size at which surgery is considered the best option for you. This leaflet provides information about your options for treatment. It is not meant to be a substitute for discussion with your Vascular Specialist Team.

What is the aorta?

The aorta is the largest artery (blood vessel) in the body. It carries blood from the heart and descends through the chest and the abdomen. Many arteries come off the aorta to supply blood to all parts of the body. At about the level of the pelvis the aorta divides into two iliac arteries, one going to each leg.

What is an aneurysm and an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

An aneurysm occurs when the wall of a blood vessel is weakened and balloons out. In the aorta this ballooning makes the wall weaker and more likely to burst. Aneurysms can occur in any artery, but they most commonly occur in the section of the aorta that passes through the abdomen. These are known as abdominal aortic aneurysms.

What causes an AAA?

The exact reason why an aneurysm forms in the aorta in most cases is not clear. Aneurysms can affect people of any age and both sexes. However, they are most common in men, people with high blood pressure (hypertension) and those over the age of 65.

The wall of the aorta normally has layers of supporting tissues. As people age, they may lose some of this tissue. This is thought to explain why aneurysms are more common in older people.

Your genetic make-up plays a part as you have a much higher chance of developing an AAA if one of your immediate relatives (parent, brother or sister) has or had one.

Certain other 'risk factors' increase the chance of getting an aneurysm. These include: smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, emphysema and obesity.

How are aneurysms discovered?

The majority of AAAs cause no symptoms and are discovered by chance. A routine examination by a doctor or an x-ray or scan performed for some other reason may pick up the presence of an aneurysm. Alternatively, some patients notice an abnormal pulsation in their abdomen. As the aneurysm stretches it can also cause pain in your back or abdomen.

In some parts of the country, screening for AAAs has been introduced. This is performed using an ultrasound scan. The scan will tell you if there is an aneurysm present and exactly how large it is.

A more detailed CT scan is sometimes done. This may be done if your doctor needs to know whether the aneurysm is affecting any of the arteries that come off the aorta. CT scans are also done by surgeons to help plan an operation.

If an aneurysm is suspected on clinical examination, or found on ultrasound, your GP will refer you to a vascular surgeon for advice.

What are the symptoms of an AAA?

Aneurysms generally take years to develop and it is rare for them to give symptoms during this time.

If you do develop symptoms you may experience one or more of the following:

• A pulsing feeling in your abdomen, similar to a heartbeat.
• Pain in your abdomen or lower back.

What is the concern about an AAA?

The main concern is that the aneurysm might rupture (burst). The wall of the aneurysm is weaker than a normal artery wall and may not be able to withstand the pressure of blood inside. If it ruptures then internal bleeding occurs which is often fatal. Of course, most AAAs do not rupture - only a certain proportion.

What is the chance of an AAA rupturing?

The chance of rupture is very low for small AAAs. For aneurysms measuring less than 5.5cm in diameter the risk of rupture is less than 1 in 100 per year¹. As aneurysms get larger than 5.5cm, the risk of rupture increases and it is usually at this size that the option of surgery is considered. For any given size, rupture risk is increased in smokers, those with high blood pressure, and those with a family history of an AAA.

Each individuals risk from their AAA and from surgery may be different so any decision on treatment will be carefully considered by your vascular team and always discussed in detail with you and, when appropriate, your family.

If you experience sudden onset of new severe abdominal pain or back pain that is distinct from any back pain you may have had previously, you may be developing a leak from your AAA or at immediate risk of rupture.

If you experience any of these things please dial 999 for an ambulance and tell the ambulance control that you have an aortic aneurysm and need to go urgently to hospital.

Do not drive yourself to hospital.

Should everyone with an AAA have surgery?

The short answer is no. Surgical repair of an AAA is a major operation and carries risks. Research has shown that for people with aneurysms, measuring less than 5.5cms (about 2 inches), it is safer not to operate as the risks of having an operation are greater than the benefit¹.

Treatment options for AAAs

Surgery is commonly advised if you develop an AAA larger than 5.5cm in maximum diameter (about 5 cm in women). For these larger aneurysms the risk of rupture is usually higher than the risk of surgery. If you have a family history of ruptured aneurysm; surgery is also likely to be advised. The two types of operation available to repair your AAA are open surgery or endovascular repair. However, if your general state of health is poor, or if you have certain other medical conditions, this may increase the risk if you have surgery. In some circumstances therefore the decision to operate may not be straightforward, and your surgeon may advise that you be medically managed if you are unfit for surgery.

If you are being considered for treatment you will undergo tests of your fitness for surgery and the associated risks, along with a CT scan to examine your AAA more closely. Your specialist vascular surgeon and team will give you a clear explanation of the options in your case. You will then have full discussion involving your personal choice before a decision is made. Your best interests will always be taken into account and you are not obliged to undergo any treatment that you do not want.

1. Medical Treatment
If you are unfit for surgery at the current time, your doctor may wish to advise medical treatments aimed at keeping you healthy and reducing the risks of rupture of your AAA. These will include treating any high blood pressure and high cholesterol and improving your fitness by treating any heart lung or kidney disease so that an operation may be performed at a later time. Patients with diabetes are less likely to have problems with surgery if their diabetic control is good. Regular moderate exercise can also help keep your heart and lungs healthy.

If you are fit for surgery two types of operation may be performed.

2. Open Repair
The traditional operation involves cutting open your abdomen to replace the aneurysm with an artificial piece of artery (a graft). This is a major operation and carries some risk. However, it is successful in most cases and the long term outlook is good. The graft usually works well for the rest of your life.

Complications: The risk of a major complication is about 10% from an open operation.

Recovery: If your recovery is straightforward, you will be in hospital between 7-10 days. It is not unusual for patients to spend one or two nights on the high dependency or intensive care unit. You will be allowed to eat and drink once you are fully awake following surgery. You may not feel like eating immediately, but usually you will be eating normally within three days of your operation.

Once you are well enough to return home, you will be discharged. At this stage, you may still need painkilling tablets. You may also notice that you tire easily. It is usual for it to take at least three months, and sometimes longer, to get back to your normal level of activity. During this phase of recovery, you should plan periods of rest into your day, gradually reducing them as you get stronger. The best way to recover is to gradually increase your level of physical activity over three months. You may resume normal sexual relations as soon as you as you feel comfortable.

Your wound should be dry and healed within 10 days. If you develop redness or swelling in the wound, you should see your doctor about this. You will be referred back to your surgeon if your doctor has any concerns.

Returning to work: There is no set time for returning to work but you may need to wait 6- 12 weeks before you are able to work. You should ask your surgeon about this. If you drive for a living, especially HGVs, you will need to be fully recovered before returning to work (see section on driving below).

3. Endovascular Repair
This involves inserting a graft within the aneurysm through small groin incisions using X-rays to guide the graft into place. The advantage of this type of repair is that there is no abdominal surgery. This technique is therefore safer than the traditional operation, and you need to spend less time in hospital. A disadvantage is that some patients have to undergo a further operation at a later stage to refine the initial procedure.

Not every patient or every aneurysm is suitable for this. In particular, aneurysms arising close to or above the kidneys are more difficult to treat in this way. You will be assessed with a scan to determine if your aneurysm can be treated by endovascular repair. If suitable you will be offered a choice of type of repair by your surgeon. If this cannot be undertaken at your local hospital, you may need to travel to a centre that can perform endovascular repair.

Complications: The risk of a major complication is lower for endovascular repair, as the operation does not interfere with the circulation as much as open surgery. However, the graft attachment is not as secure as in the open operation. As a result, you may need follow up with scans to ensure that the graft has not slipped. It is estimated that about 1 in 10 patients may need a further intervention or operation on their graft.

Recovery: After uncomplicated endovascular repair, most patients return to the hospital ward for one to three days. You should be able to eat and drink normally once fully awake following your aneurysm repair.

Once you are up and about, you should be able to leave hospital, but may need painkilling tablets for up to a week. Discussions with patients who have undergone endovascular repair suggest that it is normal to make a full recovery in about two weeks. During this time, you should gradually build up your level of activity back to normal. You may resume normal sexual relations as soon as you as you feel comfortable.

Return to work: Most people who are treated with endovascular repair can return to work within a month after having surgery. If you drive for a living, please read the section on driving toward the end of this information sheet.

Is surgery successful?

If aneurysms are successfully repaired, this prevents them blocking or bursting and there is a very high likelihood that you will return to a normal life. Full recovery takes between three and six months after open surgery and two to four weeks after endovascular repair. The speed of recovery will also be affected by your age and general fitness.

What are the risks of surgery?

As with any major operation there is a small risk of you having a medical complication such as:

• heart attack
• stroke
• kidney failure
• chest problem
• loss of circulation in the legs or bowel
• infection in the graft used to replace your aorta

Up to 1 in 10 men may have difficulty sustaining an erection following surgery due to injury to nerves which lie on the front of the aorta. It is also recognized to occur following endovascular repair. If you have problems with this, please tell your doctor, as there are treatments that may help.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a recognised risk and most patients will have treatment during their stay in hospital to prevent this. If you do develop a DVT, then you may require extra treatment for this and this may prolong your stay in hospital.

If your risk of a major complication is higher than this, usually because you already have a serious medical problem, your surgeon will discuss this with you. It is important to remember that your surgeon will only recommend treatment for your aneurysm if he or she believes that the risk of the aneurysm bursting is higher than the threat posed by the operation. Your surgeon will be able to tell you the success rate for this operation in his / her unit.

Consent to store your personal information

Vascular surgeons record information about surgical interventions, including AAA repairs, on the National Vascular Database (NVD). This is a secure database that is used to help monitor and improve vascular services throughout the country. Therefore, you (or your nearest relative) may be asked to give permission for your personal information to be stored on the NVD. Although the database is a national system, strict data governance means personal details on the NVD can only be accessed by staff involved directly in an individual's treatment. Patient information is confidential and is not passed on to third parties other than healthcare professionals directly involved in an individual's care. You need to confirm with your vascular surgeon whether you are happy for them to store your personal information on the NVD.

What can I do to help myself?

Smoking: If you are a smoker the single most important thing you can do to help yourself is to give up smoking². Stopping smoking will also help to protect all of your arteries making it less likely that you will suffer from heart attacks or strokes. Giving up is not easy but there is a smoking cessation service and support groups that can help. Your vascular specialist nurse or GP practice nurse can advise you about these.

Inactivity: Gentle exercise such as walking and cycling are recommended to help to improve your overall level of fitness. Exercise helps your body to produce healthy cholesterol and this helps to protect your arteries against bad cholesterol.

High blood pressure: High blood pressure is a known risk factor for rupture of aneurysms. It is very important that you have your blood pressure checked regularly, at least every 6 months^3,4. If you have been prescribed medication for high blood pressure you must make sure that you take it according to the instructions given.

Diabetes: If you have diabetes it is important that your blood sugar levels are well controlled.

High blood cholesterol levels (fatty substance) in your blood: You should eat a healthy balanced diet and try to reduce any excess weight. It is important to reduce the level of cholesterol in your blood: you will be given advice on how to do this. Your vascular nurse can refer you to a dietician if needed.

You may be prescribed a statin drug to lower your cholesterol level and low-dose aspirin to help prevent blood clots from forming.

Driving with an AAA

If you have a small AAA (<5.5cm) you are allowed to continue to drive. The DVLA should be notified if your aneurysm reaches 6cm in diameter and you are allowed to continue to drive if you have had satisfactory medical treatment and there is no further enlargement of your AAA. If your AAA reaches 6.5cm in diameter you are disqualified from driving⁵. HGV drivers are disqualified from driving if their AAA is > 5.5cm, but can resume driving if AAA is successfully treated⁵.

Contact Numbers

If you have any questions or queries you can contact the vascular practitioners / nurse for your area or alternatively the secretary for your consultant.

• Mr J R Boyle - Consultant vascular surgeon
  Secretary: 01223 217246
• Mr P A Coughlin - Consultant vascular surgeon
  Secretary: 01223 348190
• Mr. M S Gohel - Consultant vascular surgeon
  Secretary: 01223 217246
• Mr. SM Kreckler - Consultant vascular surgeon
  Secretary: 01223 217445
• Mr SC Harrison - Consultant vascular surgeon
  Secretary: 01223 217445
• Mr C Wijewardena - Consultant vascular surgeon
  Secretary: 01223 348190
• Miss DR Hildebrand - Consultant vascular surgeon
  Secretary: 01223 348190
• Mr TR Lane - Consultant vascular surgeon
  Secretary: 01223 348190
• Mr N Mughal - Consultant vascular surgeon
  Secretary: 01223 217445
• Vascular specialist nurse: 01223 596382

You may like to look at the following websites for further information. However, as we are not responsible for these websites we cannot endorse them.

NHS Direct (opens in a new tab)

Telephone: 111

Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland (opens in a new tab)

Telephone: 020 7973 0306

For help giving up smoking

NHS Smoking Help-Line: 0800 169 0169

The Circulation Foundation (opens in a new tab)

Publishes a number of patient information leaflets to help identify and treat vascular illness. It also funds research into the prevention and causes of vascular disease.

NHS screening programmes (opens in a new tab)

Includes details of the AAA screening programmes in the various counties of the UK.

References

1. The UK Small Aneurysm Study Participants. 2 Mortality results for the randomised controlled trial of early elective surgery or ultrasonographic surveillance for small abdominal aortic aneurysms. “Lancet 1998; 352:1649-55.
2. DOH Smoking kills. A white paper on tobacco. The Stationery Office, London, December 1998.
3. Kannel WB, Dawber TR, McGee DL. Perspectives on systolic hypertension. The framington study. Circulation 1980; 61; 1179-1182.
4. Stamler J, Stamler R, Neaton JD. Blood pressure, systolic and diastolic and cardiovascular risks. US population data. Archives of internal medicine 1993; 153; 598- 615.
5. For Medical Practitioners. At a glance guide to current Medical Standards of fitness to drive. Drivers Medical Group, DVLA, Swansea. August 2010.