Cardiology Center
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Audio Presentation

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Open Repair


Alternatives
  Your Body
  Alternatives
  Medical Record
  Anesthesia
  Before Surgery
  Your Procedure
  Recovery
This information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. MedSelfEd, Inc. disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
Your doctor understands that all medical care benefits from close collaboration between physician and patient -- so be sure to review, with your doctor, all risks and alternatives and make sure you understand the reasons behind the recommendation for this particular procedure.

Now let's talk in detail about the procedure your doctor has recommended. That particular recommendation was based on a number of factors:

  • the state of your health,

  • the severity of your condition,

  • an assessment of alternative treatments or procedures and finally,

  • the risks associated with doing nothing at all.

And remember, the final decision is up to you. No one can force you to undergo a surgical procedure against your will.

The only alternative to surgery...
The only alternative to surgery...
... is to monitor the size of the aneurysm using ultrasound and x-rays.
... is to monitor the size of the aneurysm using ultrasound and x-rays.
But even a small aneurysm can burst - putting the life of the patient in danger.
But even a small aneurysm can burst - putting the life of the patient in danger.
If your doctor is recommending surgery, he or she believes that the risk of doing nothing is greater than the risk of performing an operation.
If your doctor is recommending surgery, he or she believes that the risk of doing nothing is greater than the risk of performing an operation.
Should you decide not to have surgery, the aneurysm may continue to grow over time and possibly rupture.
Should you decide not to have surgery, the aneurysm may continue to grow over time and possibly rupture.
If a rupture occurs, abdominal bleeding will result and you will need surgery to fix the break in your aorta.
If a rupture occurs, abdominal bleeding will result and you will need surgery to fix the break in your aorta.
This a serious risk. Less than 50% of patients who experience a rupture survive.
This a serious risk. Less than 50% of patients who experience a rupture survive.
While it is true that an operation to repair an aortic aneurysm is major surgery, don't make a decision to ignore your doctor's recommendations simply out of anxiety or fear.
While it is true that an operation to repair an aortic aneurysm is major surgery, don't make a decision to ignore your doctor's recommendations simply out of anxiety or fear.
Make sure to discuss all of your options with your doctor. Don't be afraid to share your all of your concerns.
Make sure to discuss all of your options with your doctor. Don't be afraid to share your all of your concerns.
And above all, don't hesitate to ask questions.
And above all, don't hesitate to ask questions.

Now I'd like to introduce you to another important member of the medical team -- the nurse.


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