The unexpected or unusual dilatation of any segment of an artery is called an aneurysm. Aneurysm of the aorta is important mainly because they are HIGHLY fatal. Extended delays in the diagnosis and treatment of the aneurysms may lead tear in the aortic wall which inevitably leads to death. The risk of rupture increases when the aneurysmal diameter is twice larger than the healthy blood vessel. Some aneurysms may not be operated urgently but these cases are to be kept in close follow-up. The size, location, growth rate and the general status of the patient affects the decision for the surgery.

Aneurysm repairs are performed via an incision done according to the location of the aortic aneurysm (in the midline of the sternum (breastbone) for ascending aortic aneurysms, left thoracotomy (incision on the left flank) for thoracic aneurysms and abdominal incision for abdominal aortic aneurysms). The aneurysmal portion of the vessel is replaced with a synthetic graft. The graft is a polymer stronger than the weakened aorta allowing blood to pass through the vessel without causing a bulge. Some of the patients with aneurysms may also have accompanying coronary or heart valve diseases which may complicate the procedure, so repair of the diseased valves or bypassing any blocked coronary arteries is essential in these patients. However, these operations may pose extra risk to the patient.

Aneurysmal diseases are repaired with great success in many centers. However, these operations may have some complications which may eventually cause death or disabilities. Some of these complications are:

• Heart attack
• Heart rhythm disturbances
• Bleeding
• Stroke
• Paralysis
• Graft infection
• Kidney damage

After the operation, the patient is transferred to the special intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring for two or three days. After the ICU stay, the patient is admitted to the surgical ward where he or she will be staying for five to six days. The first control examination will be one week after the discharge from the hospital. Our patients will have a safe journey to their home countries when our stuff is sure of their health status after this control examination. The full recovery after a complication-free aortic aneurysm operation lasts about two months.