What are the symptoms of AAA?
AAA is usually symptom free before it ruptures, which makes
it difficult to detect at an early stage. Some patients may feel a
pulsatile mass in their tummy. Any symptoms of abdominal or back pain in
an AAA patient is suggestive of rupture aneurysm. Urgent medical
assessment is necessary.
Who will have AAA?
Smoking, aging, diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension
are the major risk factors of developing AAA and males are at greater
risk than females.
How to diagnose AAA?
Despite the difficulty of detecting AAA at an early stage, a
simple ultrasound scanning of the abdomen can already accurately
diagnose AAA. Further detail imaging with CT scan, MRI, or angiogram are
only necessary when surgical intervention of the AAA is necessary.
Although the mortality rate of a ruptured AAA is high, it is still
preventable. Quitting smoking, controlling high blood pressure, regular
exercise and a healthy diet will contribute to reducing the risks of
developing AAA.
When & how to treat AAA?
Surgical intervention of the AAA is necessary when the size
of the aneurysm is > 5cm in diameter. We want to fix the aneurysm
before it ruptures.
There are currently 2 treatment options for AAA. Endovascular
Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive surgery involving only
small wounds at the groins. It is associated with less pain, faster
recovery, and is safer compared with open surgery.
The traditional open repair of AAA involves large abdominal wound.
Although it is more durable, it is more invasive and is currently
reserved for cases with anatomy not suitable for EVAR.
Reference information:
http://esteemmedical.com.hk/aortic-aneurysms.htmlIt
is not intended as medical advice to any specific person. If you have
any need for personal advice or have any questions regarding your
health, please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
