Mortality of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm treated with open or endovascular repair

Objectives The study defined the selection criteria used for treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAAs) and reviewed results during a 5-year period. Methods From 2002 on, our tertiary referral center adopted a protocol of selective use of endovascular repair for RAAAs. The study included all patients with a proven RAAA who were admitted to our hospital from 2002 to 2006. The primary outcome measure was surgical mortality. Results A total of 187 patients were admitted with an acute AAA, and an RAAA was confirmed 135 (72%) by computed tomography scanning or at laparotomy, and 125 (93%) were treated, 89 by open means and 36 by endovascular means. The overall mortality rate was 24% and the mortality rate was 13.9% for endovascular repair. Endovascular repair was consistently used more often in patients with favorable anatomy and in patients who were hemodynamically more stable. There were considerable differences in approach between the four consultant vascular surgeons. The overall evaluation and inclusion for endovascular treatment increased during the study period. Conclusions A strict protocol for admission, evaluation, and treatment of RAAA, with selective use of endovascular repair, resulted in low mortality rates in our center.