How maximum diameter affects the decision to repair aortic aneurysm.
OBJECTIVE
The aneurysm size at which operative or endovascular repair is indicated is still a matter of dispute. The aim of the study was to assess how Finnish surgeons decide and what they regard as indication for elective operation.


METHODS
The material was collected with a questionnaire handed out at two surgical meetings. The smallest aneurysm diameters at which operation was indicated according to the opinion of the respondents were recorded.


RESULTS
41 questionnaires were returned. The diameters showed a great variation although 85% of the surgeons placed their limit for treatment between 40 and 50 mm as maximum diameter. 83% held the opinion that a patient with a high operative risk could still be treated using endoluminal stent grafts.


CONCLUSIONS
There is no consensus among surgeons regarding the size limits for aneurysm surgery, especially in the evolving field of endovascular surgery.
Mätzke
S
S
Department of Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Lepäntalo
M
M
D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D012306:Risk; D015607:Stents