What is Aortic Aneurysm Repair?

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Why do you need Aortic Aneurysm Repair?

An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement of the aorta, often caused by high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, genetic conditions (e.g., Marfan syndrome), or trauma. Aortic aneurysm repair aims to prevent rupture by reinforcing or replacing the weakened aortic segment. The procedure is recommended when the aneurysm grows large (typically >5–5.5 cm), causes symptoms (e.g., chest or back pain), or shows signs of rapid expansion.

Types of aortic aneurysms include:

  • Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA): Located in the chest.
  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Located in the abdomen.

Why Do Aortic Aneurysm Repair Costs Vary in Philippines?

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Aortic Aneurysm Repair Procedure

The procedure varies based on the aneurysm’s location, size, and the patient’s health. The main approaches are:

  1. Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis involves imaging tests like CT scansMRIs, or ultrasounds to assess the aneurysm’s size and location.
    • Blood testsECG, and stress tests evaluate overall health and surgical risks.
    • Patients with risk factors (e.g., smoking, hypertension) are counseled to optimize their condition pre-surgery.
  2. Surgical Techniques:
    • Open Surgical Repair:
      • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 4–6 hours.
      • For AAA, an incision is made in the abdomen; for TAA, in the chest.
      • The weakened aortic segment is replaced with a synthetic graft (usually Dacron or PTFE).
      • Common for complex or large aneurysms but involves longer recovery.
    • Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) or Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (TEVAR):
      • A minimally invasive procedure using a stent-graft inserted via catheters through the groin arteries.
      • The stent-graft reinforces the aorta from within, redirecting blood flow.
      • Preferred for smaller aneurysms or high-risk patients, offering shorter recovery.
      • Takes 2–3 hours under general or local anesthesia.
  3. Post-Surgery:
    • Patients are monitored in the ICU for 1–3 days, depending on the procedure.
    • Open surgery patients may stay in the hospital for 7–10 days; EVAR/TEVAR patients are discharged in 3–5 days.
    • Follow-up imaging ensures the graft or stent is functioning properly.

Recovery After Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Recovery depends on the procedure type and the patient’s health:

  1. Hospital Stay:
    • Open surgery requires 7–10 days in the hospital, including 2–3 days in the ICU.
    • EVAR/TEVAR patients typically stay 3–5 days, with 1–2 days in the ICU.
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain is managed with medications (e.g., opioids initially, then NSAIDs).
    • Patients are monitored for complications like graft leakage or infection.
    • Blood pressure control is critical to protect the graft or stent.
  3. Rehabilitation:
    • Light walking is encouraged within days to prevent blood clots.
    • Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or driving is avoided for 6–8 weeks (open surgery) or 2–4 weeks (EVAR/TEVAR).
    • A low-sodium, heart-healthy diet and smoking cessation are recommended.
  4. Follow-Up:
    • Regular check-ups with a vascular surgeon, including CT scans or ultrasounds, monitor the graft/stent (every 6–12 months initially).
    • Lifelong management of risk factors (e.g., hypertension, cholesterol) is essential.

Most patients resume normal activities within 6–12 weeks (open surgery) or 2–6 weeks (EVAR/TEVAR). Long-term survival rates are high, with 90–95% success at one year, provided complications are managed.

Risks and Complications

Aortic aneurysm repair is complex and carries risks, though advancements have reduced these significantly:

  1. Bleeding:
    • Excessive bleeding during or after surgery may require transfusions or reoperation.
  2. Infection:
    • Graft or stent infections are rare but serious, requiring antibiotics or surgical intervention.
  3. Endoleak (EVAR/TEVAR):
    • Blood leakage into the aneurysm sac due to improper stent sealing, potentially requiring additional procedures.
  4. Kidney or Spinal Cord Damage:
    • Reduced blood flow during surgery may affect kidney function or, rarely, cause paralysis (more common in TAA repair).
  5. Heart or Lung Complications:
    • Heart attack, stroke, or pneumonia may occur, particularly in patients with comorbidities.
  6. Graft Failure:
    • The graft or stent may clog or shift, necessitating further intervention.

Prompt reporting of symptoms like fever, chest/abdominal pain, or swelling ensures timely management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes an aortic aneurysm?

Common causes include high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, smoking, genetic disorders (e.g., Marfan syndrome), or trauma.

Can an aortic aneurysm be treated without surgery?

Small, asymptomatic aneurysms (<4.5 cm) may be monitored with imaging and lifestyle changes, but larger or symptomatic aneurysms require repair.

Is EVAR/TEVAR better than open surgery?

EVAR/TEVAR offers faster recovery and fewer complications for suitable patients but may not be feasible for complex aneurysms.

How long is the recovery period?

Open surgery recovery takes 6–12 weeks; EVAR/TEVAR takes 2–6 weeks for full activity resumption.

Is aortic aneurysm repair covered by insurance in India?

Most insurance plans cover the procedure if medically necessary. Confirm with your provider.

What are the signs of complications post-surgery?

Fever, severe pain, swelling, shortness of breath, or leg pain may indicate issues and require immediate medical attention.

Can children or elderly patients undergo this surgery?

Yes, but eligibility depends on overall health. Pediatric cases (e.g., Marfan syndrome) are handled in specialized centers, while elderly patients may prefer EVAR/TEVAR.

How can I prevent an aortic aneurysm?

Control blood pressure, quit smoking, manage cholesterol, and undergo regular check-ups if at risk (e.g., family history).

Conclusion

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Looking for Best Hospitals for Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
250,000
700,000
Antipolo
250,000
700,000
Bacolod
250,000
700,000
Bacoor
250,000
500,000
Baguio
250,000
700,000
Butuan
250,000
500,000
Cagayan de Oro
250,000
700,000
Caloocan
250,000
500,000
Cebu City
300,000
1,000,000
Dasmariñas
250,000
500,000
Davao City
300,000
1,000,000
General Santos
250,000
700,000
General Trias
250,000
500,000
Iligan
250,000
700,000
Iloilo City
250,000
700,000
Las Piñas
250,000
700,000
Makati
300,000
1,000,000
Malolos
250,000
500,000
Manila
300,000
1,000,000
Muntinlupa
250,000
700,000
Parañaque
250,000
700,000
Pasay
250,000
700,000
Pasig
300,000
1,000,000
Puerto Princesa
250,000
700,000
Quezon City
300,000
1,000,000
San Fernando
250,000
500,000
San Jose del Monte
250,000
500,000
Taguig
300,000
1,000,000
Valenzuela
250,000
500,000
Zamboanga City
250,000
700,000

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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