Aorta is the largest artery and carries oxygenated blood from the heart to all parts of the body. Aortic surgery is performed to treat various problems of the aorta. It may include bulging of the aortic walls (aneurysm) with a risk of rupture and problems in the aortic valve. The causes of aortic diseases are hypertension, atherosclerosis, connective tissue disorders, injury, and general conditions.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm: Persistent abdominal pain, back pain, and pulse experienced at the bellybutton area
Thoracic aortic aneurysm: Cough, back pain, shortness of breath, pain in the chest
The rate of survival depends upon the type of surgery and several other factors. Elective aortic surgery had higher survival compared to emergency surgery. In the abdominal aortic aneurysm, the 30-day survival rate was 99% post-elective endovascular repair. The surgical removal of the abdominal aortic aneurysm has a 30-day survival rate of 96% to 98%. However, after the aneurysm ruptures, the survival rate is only 50% to 70%. The 1-year survival rate for aortic arch aneurysms and ascending aorta was 81% to 95%. The survival rate is 60% to 73% after 8 to 10 years.
