Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm in the elderly patient

The authors discuss several aspects of the management of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm in elderly patients. The cost-effectiveness and indications of repair of rAAA in elderly patients are analysed. A literature survey of risk-factors and results of open treatment of rAAA in elderly patients is made. The challenge of endovascular repair of rAAA in the elderly patient is discussed. Finally, the authors report their personal experience with AAA repair in 163 patients aged 75 years and older, operated on between January 2003 and September 2005(89 endoaneurysmal stent-grafts and 74 open repairs, 42 rAAA, 23 symptomatic AAA and 98 selective asymptomatic AAA).