What is the life expectancy of an 82 year old man with an abdominal aorta aneurysm that's 5.0 cc in size?

Answer 1

It isn't easy to determine without knowing the gentleman's health history and comorbidities. However - an AAA that is from 5-5.9cm has a 6.5% chance of rupture every year. So, if his AAA does not grow - then there is a 65% chance of rupture by the age of 92. If the AAA increases to 6.5cm, the rate increases to 20% per year, giving him an estimated 100% rupture risk some time over the course of 5 years once the AAA has reached that size. The overall mortality rate for ruptured AAA is 80-90%. Factors that increase risk for rupture include smoking/history of smoking, COPD, hypertension, connective tissue disease, and family history of ruptured AAA.

If the aneurysm is infrarenal and far enough away from the renal arteries, this AAA could likely be repaired through minimally invasive techniques. Endovascular repair (EVAR) does not require general anesthesia or large incisions. The operation is conducted through the vessels in the legs. If considering repair, the surgeon will discuss risks/benefits and the surgeon's assessment of the patient's life expectancy will factor into this decision making process.