Surgical Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm – patient information to assist informed consent
This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on surgery to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The topics discussed include:
- Aortic aneurysms and abdominal aortic aneurysms
- Symptoms and signs of AAA
- Risk factors of AAA, including age, family history and hypertension
- Diagnosis of AAA, including mention of computed tomography (CT) and MRI
- Endovascular stent graft repair (EVAR) and its benefits compared to open surgery
Various surgical methods are described for patients needing treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm or a thoracic aortic aneurysm. The surgical techniques described include:
- Open surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm
- EVAR of an abdominal aortic aneurysm
- EVAR of a thoracic aortic aneurysm
- Open surgery to repair an aneurysm of the ascending aorta
This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients as the benefits, risks and limitations of surgical treatment are discussed in detail. The possible complications of surgery are listed on page 4 to assist the informed-consent process.
Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. The surgical treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.