Aneurysm, abdominal aortic

Patient story: "I was able to go back to my part-time job within just three weeks."

When trumpeter Peter Cripps had a CT scan for a kidney stone, it was discovered he also had an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Just before Christmas, I had the most horrendous pain in my abdomen. I had a CT scan, which revealed I had a kidney stone. Thankfully, that was quite small but, more worryingly, the nurse told me I also had an AAA. The surgeon came to see me straight away and recommended an open AAA operation, which was done on January 16 2007.

I'd had a four-way heart bypass four years earlier, and five years before that a heart attack, and I was convinced I was not going to make it. But the operation went really well, and I was out of hospital a week later.

I felt weak and tired, and I was quite insecure when I first got home. I tried to do a little more each day and was soon back on my feet. In fact, I was able to go back to my part-time job fitting insulation mats on yacht engines within just three weeks. I play trumpet in a band and was able to start blowing again four weeks after the operation.

"I have to admit, there have been a few problems since the operation. The surgeon warned me that because the abdominal aorta runs down in front of the spine, it might interfere with my nervous system and that this could interfere with some of the 'important bits'".

"It's true, things are not as brilliant in that department as they used to be, but there are always ways and means. Your digestion packs up too and I'm still not eating how I used to. I've lost a bit of weight and I've had a few problems with my bowelsmainly constipationbut I was told to expect that and I take laxatives".

"The scar is healing nicely, but it does still twinge a bit from time to time. Having said that, I'm feeling better by the day, and I'm just grateful it was found when it was, otherwise I might not be here".

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 29 Nov 2016

Articles for aneurysm, abdominal aortic

Introduction

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling (aneurysm) of the aorta; the main blood vessel that leads away from the heart, down through the abdomen to the rest of the body. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the human body. This vessel originates from the heart, spans the chest and extends down to the stomach. The segment of the aorta which supplies the organs of the abdomen with blood, is called the abdominal aorta. An aneurysm is the swelling of a small segment of the aorta (up to 5 cm, when the normal width of the aorta lumen is 2 cm)

Symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm

In most cases, an unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) will cause no symptoms, unless it becomes particularly large. If your aortic aneurysm ruptures, you will feel a sudden and severe pain in the middle or side of your abdomen. In men, the pain can also radiate down into the scrotum. A ruptured aortic aneurysm is a medical emergency, and its important to get to hospital as soon as possible.

Causes of an abdominal aortic aneurysm

An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when part of the aorta wall becomes weakened, causing it to bulge outwards to form an aneurysm. Research has found that smokers are seven times more likely to develop an AAA than people who have never smoked. The more you smoke, the greater your risk of developing an AAA. People who regularly smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day may have more than 10 times the risk of non-smokers.

Diagnosing an abdominal aortic aneurysm

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) usually causes no symptoms. Therefore, they tend to be diagnosed as a result of screening, or during a routine physical examination when a GP notices a distinctive pulsating sensation in your abdomen. A diagnosis is usually made following consultation with a medical professional. The patient is recommended an abdominal ultrasound, or a contrast scanner, which both help the physician to determine the position of the aneurysm and its size.

Treating an abdominal aortic aneurysm

Treatment for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) depends on several factors, including the aneurysm's size, your age and general health. The treatment of aneurysms depends on the condition of the patient, the position and size of the aneurysm, etc. If the aneurysm is small, it poses little risk, and thus the treatment adapted is conservative. The patient is usually advised to make certain lifestyle changes (quitting smoking, avoiding foods high in fats, exercising, maintain a lower blood pressure). If the aneurysm is large, a surgical intervention is necessary, which may involve: endovascular surgery, open surgery.

Preventing an abdominal aortic aneurysm

The best way to prevent getting an aneurysm, or reduce the risk of an aneurysm growing bigger and possibly rupturing, is to avoid anything that could damage your blood vessels. To prevent the occurrence of an AAA, the patient is recommended: to quit smoking, light exercise, avoiding foods high in unhealthy fats & to lose weight (if overweight), if previously suffering from arterial hypertension, to maintain normal values. If your GP finds out you have high blood pressure or a high cholesterol level, you may be prescribed medication for both.

Patient story: "I was able to go back to my part-time job within just three weeks."

When trumpeter Peter Cripps, had a CT scan for a kidney stone, an abdominal aortic aneurysm was also discovered. The surgeon came to see me straight away and recommended an open AAA operation, which was done on January 16 2007. The operation went really well, and I was out of hospital a week later.

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