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1. Why do I need the operation?
Because the main artery (aorta) in your tummy (abdomen) has stretched and weakened (aneurysm). This operation is to repair the stretched section so that it will not burst (rupture).
2. Before your operation.
You will usually be admitted into hospital one or two days before your operation or you will be asked to attend a pre-admission clinic about a week earlier in order to allow time for tests required to ensure you are fit for your operation. These tests may include scans of the abdomen or x-rays of the arteries (arteriogram) if these have not already been done. Special scans of your heart to check that it is working properly may also be needed.
3. Coming into hospital.
Please bring with you a list of all the medications that you are currently taking. You will be admitted to your bed by one of the nurses who will also note down your personal details in your nursing records. Prior to surgery you will undergo a number of investigations, if these have not been performed previously, including a heart tracing, a chest x-ray and blood tests. You will be visited by the Surgeon who will be performing your operation and also the doctor who will give you the anaesthetic. If you have any questions regarding the operation please ask the doctors.
4. The operation.
You will be taken initially to a reception area in the theatre suite, then to the anaesthetic room where you will be given your anaesthetic, and from there into the theatre. As well as being put to sleep you may have a small tube placed in your back (epidural) to help with pain relief following surgery. Whilst you are asleep tubes will also be inserted into your bladder to drain your urine, into your stomach (via your nose) to stop you feeling sick, and into a vein in your neck for blood pressure measurements and administration of fluid following surgery. You will have a cut down or across your abdomen and occasionally it is necessary to make a smaller cut in one or both groins. The aorta and particularly the swollen area will be replaced by an artificial blood vessel made of a strong material called Dacron. The wounds are closed with a stitch or by clips that will need to be removed.
Click here to see operative photographs
5. After the operation.
You will usually be taken to an intensive care or high dependency unit following your operation in order to be able to monitor your progress closely. It is sometimes necessary for you to remain on a breathing machine for a period after the operation but you will be taken off this as soon as possible. Following this sort of surgery the bowel stops working for a while and you will be given all the fluids you require in a drip until your bowel will cope with fluids by mouth. A blood transfusion may also be required. The nurses and doctors will try and keep you free of pain by giving pain killers by injection, via a tube in your back, or by a machine that you are able to control yourself by pressing a button. As the days pass and you improve the various tubes will be removed and you will be returned to the normal ward until you are fit enough to go home.
You will be visited by the physiotherapist before and after your operation who will help you with your breathing to prevent you developing a chest infection and with your walking.
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