title: Aggressive treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm in a community hospital.
abstract: A review of the clinical spectrum observed during the aggressive surgical treatment of 43 ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms in a rural community hospital by one surgeon over 10 years is presented. Diagnosis frequently was delayed by other considerations. Although the patients had an average age of 70 years and 77% presented in shock, aggressive surgical treatment resulted in a 61% rate of survival with minimal complications. Prompt aortic control, graft replacement, and vigorous supportive care are required for successful treatment of this lethal and common abdominal emergency.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D005260:Female; D006764:Hospitals, Community; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011379:Prognosis; D013781:Texas