Systemic Inflammation and Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Background Inflammation is integral to the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This study examines preoperative biomarkers of systemic inflammation in patients undergoing open repair of intact and ruptured AAA. Methods One-hundred twelve patients were entered into a prospective observational study. Preoperative POSSUM physiology score, C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood count (WBC), platelet count, fibrinogen, and albumin were recorded and related to clinical variables using univariate analysis. Results Sixty-one patients with a ruptured AAA, 39 with an asymptomatic intact AAA, and 12 with an acutely symptomatic intact AAA underwent attempted repair. There were two inflammatory asymptomatic aneurysms and one inflammatory ruptured aneurysm. No patient had clinical evidence of coexistent inflammatory disease. Patients with a symptomatic intact AAA had a significantly greater level of CRP and fibrinogen, higher WBC, and lower serum albumin, than those with an asymptomatic intact AAA. Patients with a ruptured aneurysm had a significantly greater level of CRP, higher WBC, and lower serum albumin than those with an asymptomatic intact aneurysm. Patients with a symptomatic intact AAA had a significantly higher CRP level, but lower WBC, than those with a ruptured AAA. There was no difference in CRP level, WBC, or serum albumin between survivors and non-survivors of attempted repair of asymptomatic, symptomatic and ruptured AAA. Conclusions Acutely symptomatic and ruptured AAAs are associated with an early elevation in systemic inflammatory biomarkers. This early activation of the inflammatory response might influence perioperative outcome. Presented to the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain & Ireland Annual Meeting, Edinburgh, 2006, and published in abstract form in Br J Surg 2006; 93 (S1):126–127.     

The Validity of Ultrasonographic Scanning as Screening Method for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

OBJECTIVE: the sensitivity and specificity of screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) with ultrasonographic scanning (US) is unknown. The aim of the study was to validate US as screening test for AAAs. METHODS AND MATERIAL: 4176 (76.3%) of 5470 men aged 65-73 attended hospital-based US screening for an AAA at their local hospital. Two observers and one scanner were used. The maximal anterior-posterior (AP) of the dilated aorta, or 2 cm above the bifurcation, and at the crossing of left renal vein was recorded. In 50 cases, blinded measurements were carried out by two observers. An AAA was defined as an AP diameter greater than 29 mm. RESULTS: the standard deviation (s.d.) of the interobserver variability of the distal AP diameter was 0.84. The mean distal AP diameter was 17. 9 mm (s.d. 2.92). Combining these data, the estimated diagnostic sensitivity was 98.9%, the estimated diagnostic specificity was 99. 9%. The interobserver s.d. of the proximal AP diameter was 1.76. The mean proximal AP diameter was 18.4 mm (s.d. 2.45). Combining these data, the estimated diagnostic sensitivity was 87.4%, the estimated diagnostic specificity was 99.9%. CONCLUSION: US seems to be a valid screening method for AAA. Screening for proximal infrarenal aorta aneurysm remains acceptable because the majority of aortic diameters in this segment are so much smaller than the diameters that define an AAA.     

Implications of Attendance Patterns in Northern Ireland for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

Introduction

Evidence supports the introduction of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening programme. The aims of this study were to estimate future disease patterns and to determine the effect of the proportion attending on the programme’s cost-effectiveness.

Patients and methods

The results of the local AAA screening programme were reviewed. Ultrasonic infrarenal aortic diameter of 30 mm was considered aneurysmal. Projected population numbers from the Department of Health and current disease prevalence were used to estimate future number of potential patients. The Multi-centre Aneurysm Screening Study (MASS) Markov model was used to calculate an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and 95% uncertainty intervals (UI), using a 30-year time horizon and 3.5% per annum discount, to determine the effect of attendance.

Results

Men were recruited from August 2004 to May 2010. 13316 were invited for a scan and 5931 (44.5%) attended. 321 AAA were diagnosed, giving a prevalence of 5.4%, while 27 large AAA (0.46%) were repaired. The annual incidence of AAA until 2021 will range from 441 to 526, with an incidence of 40–48 large AAA, with both showing a gradual increase with time. Using this attendance rate, the ICER was calculated at £2350 per life-year gained (95% UI: £1620–£4290), or £3020 per quality-adjusted life-year gained (95% UI: £2080–£5500).

Conclusions

The prevalence of disease in this local AAA screening was similar to other studies. The low attendance will result in many AAA being missed, but will not impact greatly on the long-term cost-effectiveness.     

One-stage Surgical Management of Concomitant Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Gastric or Colorectal Cancer

One-stage surgical management of concomitant abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and gastric or colorectal cancer should provide certain benefits. We reviewed the records of 21 patients with both AAA and gastric or colorectal cancer who underwent one-stage surgical management. Four had distal gastrectomy, 2 had total gastrectomy, and 5 had abdominoperineal rectal resection transperitoneally; 3 had total gastrectomy transperitoneally and AAA repair extraperitoneally. Two underwent right hemicolectomy and thromboexclusion of the AAA. Two had creation of a temporary ileostomy and implantation of an interposition graft. Two underwent left hemicolectomy, creation of a temporary transversostomy, and implantation of an interposition graft. One had a Hartmann’s procedure and implantation of a bifurcated prosthetic interposition graft for AAA. There were no operative deaths or serious postoperative complications. One patient had colorectal ischemia that resolved with conservative treatment. Eighteen of the 21 patients (85.7%) were alive 10 months to 14 years postoperatively. In conclusion, one-stage surgical treatment of concomitant AAA and gastric or colorectal cancer is well tolerated and can avoid the time, financial costs, and patient anxiety involved in a second operation.     

腔内修复术治疗破裂型腹主动脉瘤的效果评价

目的分析破裂型腹主动脉瘤(ruptured abdominal aneurysm,r AAA)行腔内修复术(endovascular aortic aneurysm repair,EVAR)与开放手术早期结果,评价EVAR治疗的效果。方法回顾性收集我院2004年1月~2014年1月收治的48例r AAA患者临床资料,根据其手术与否、手术方式的不同分为术前死亡组(n=20)、EVAR组(n=14)和开放手术组(n=14),三组性别、年龄等一般资料比较无统计学差异(P0.05),EVAR组和开放手术组在瘤体直径、收缩压、舒张压方面比较差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。结果 EVAR组入院至检查时间为(1.2±0.8)h,与开放手术组(7.5±7.1)h比较差异有统计学意义(P=0.006);EVAR组检查至手术时间为(1.8±1.3)h,与开放手术组(16.8±17.7)h比较差异有统计学意义(P=0.007)。死亡组入院至死亡时间与EVAR组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.009)。EVAR组手术时间为(2.3±0.7)h,与开放手术组(5.6±2.0)h比较差异有统计学意义(P0.001);EVAR组的术中出血量为(142.9±279.3)ml,与开放手术组的(3 528.6±3 252.3)ml间差异有统计学意义(P0.001);EVAR组的输血量为(985.7±2 148.7)ml,与开放手术组的(3 100.0±2 285.1)ml间差异有统计学意义(P=0.018);EVAR组的住院时间为(7.1±2.7)d,与开放手术组的(13.7±4.9)d间差异有统计学意义(P0.001);EVAR组的总费用为(20.9±5.8)万元,与开放手术组的(10.1±11.5)万元间差异有统计学意义(P=0.005)。两组并发症率比较,差异无统计学意义(P=0.430)。结论缩短院内抢救准备时间,是r AAA成功救治的要点。EVAR应作为r AAA的一线治疗方案。     

Emergency Non-ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

OBJECTIVES: To investigate symptoms and early mortality (<30 days) following open surgery for emergency, symptomatic non-ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the period 1983-1994, 129 patients had an emergency admission, followed by surgery, for symptomatic non-ruptured AAA. Sixty-one received surgery within 24 h of admission and 68 received surgery more than 24 h after admission (median 135 h, inter-quartile range: 51-239 h). During the same period 239 patients had elective surgery for non-ruptured AAA. Early mortality (<30 days), symptoms and co-morbidities were recorded. Data were retrieved from the patient records. RESULTS: Mortality (30 days) was 18% in the 61 patients having surgery within 24 h of emergency admission for non-ruptured AAA. Mortality following either delayed surgery (semi-elective) after emergency admission or elective surgery was 4.2% (p=0.0002). Four out of 11 patients who died within 30 days following an acute operation had previously been declared unfit for elective surgery. One additional emergency patient had been found unfit for open surgery, but survived a delayed operation. CONCLUSION: The high mortality rate of patients with non-ruptured, symptomatic AAA undergoing surgery within 24 h of admission appears to be influenced by several factors, including co-morbidities and the acute operation. We propose that the 30-day mortality for non-ruptured AAA should be reported in two categories: mortality rate for elective surgery and mortality for surgery performed within 24 h of emergency admission. The term 'emergency non-ruptured' is a suitable term for the latter group.     

The National Health Service Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme in England

Background

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is responsible for the premature death of more than 4,000 men in England and Wales every year. AAAs are usually asymptomatic before they rupture, yet they are easily detected by a simple abdominal ultrasound scan.

Methods

This paper reviews the evidence for, and implementation of, a national AAA population screening programme in England.

Results

Population screening of 65-year-old men can reassure most that they will not get an AAA, but it can also detect a small number of men with a large AAA at immediate risk of rupture, and a larger number of men with a small or medium AAA at minimal immediate risk, but who may be offered ongoing ultrasound surveillance. Population screening of men aged 65–74 has a sound evidence base, and reduces subsequent AAA-related mortality for at least 13 years by up to 50?%. Some Western countries, including the UK, have adopted population screening using public funding, whereas others remain to be convinced, and continue to collate research. The epidemiology of AAA is changing quickly, with the prevalence in 65-year-old men decreasing rapidly as smoking habits change and more medical treatments are used to manage cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusion

As evidence on the natural history of AAA continues to emerge, new and ongoing programmes will need to be responsive and adapt. The AAA screening programme of the future will evolve using emerging clinical and cost-effectiveness data.     

Complex Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Vascular surgery is a challenging discipline and complex aneurysms can present an entire range of technical difficulties. To overcome these problems good technical skills are mandatory. However, it is also worth remembering a few basic rules:

? The simplest solution is often the best.

? All cases need careful planning, including that of the approach

? A successful anastomosis requires good aortic tissue

? Minimal dissection reduces morbidity.