AAA surgery is a procedure to repair a bulging or weakened section of the abdominal aorta, which can rupture if left untreated. The surgery is performed either through open repair or minimally invasive endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

Surgery is recommended when the aneurysm is larger than 5–5.5 cm, growing rapidly, or causing symptoms like abdominal or back pain. Emergency surgery is required if the aneurysm ruptures.

There are two main types:

• Open Repair: The damaged aorta is replaced with a synthetic graft through an abdominal incision.
• EVAR (Endovascular Aneurysm Repair): A stent graft is placed inside the aneurysm using catheters through small groin incisions.

EVAR is less invasive, with faster recovery and fewer immediate risks, but may require lifelong monitoring. Open repair is more invasive but usually provides a long-term permanent solution. The choice depends on patient health and aneurysm condition.

EVAR: Typically 2–3 hours

• Open repair: Around 3–4 hours
• Hospital stay varies from 2–3 days for EVAR to 7–10 days for open repair.

Recovery after EVAR usually takes 2–4 weeks, while open repair may require 6–12 weeks. Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting, smoking, and strenuous activities during recovery.

Risks may include bleeding, infection, heart or kidney complications, and graft problems. With modern techniques and expert care, risks are significantly reduced.

Both open repair and EVAR have high success rates. Open repair often lasts a lifetime, while EVAR requires regular imaging follow-ups to ensure the graft remains in place and effective.

Patients should maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle with balanced diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, blood pressure control, and routine check-ups to prevent complications.

Yes. Especially after EVAR, patients need periodic CT scans or ultrasounds to monitor the stent graft. Open repair patients also benefit from regular follow-ups to ensure overall vascular health.