Intestinal PAD visceral artery aneurysm surgery

Overview

A visceral aneurysm can be managed by surgically removing the aneurysm and creating a bypass using either a graft made from a section of one’s own veins or an artificial synthetic tube to connect two healthy segments of the artery.

Reasons for undergoing the procedure.

The goal of treatment is to redirect blood flow within the artery, and this procedure may be necessary if the visceral aneurysm has obstructed blood flow due to clot formation or if it is exerting pressure on adjacent nerves or veins, resulting in pain, numbness, or swelling. Additionally, treatment may also be considered as a preventive measure to avert such complications. The approach to treatment is personalized for each patient, taking into account their specific medical condition and circumstances.

Risk

Your doctor will explain the specific risks and potential benefits of the recommended bypass surgery.

Possible complications of bypass surgery include:

• Blood vessel injury: There is a risk of damaging the blood vessel during the procedure.
• Hernia development: A hernia may form at the incision site.
• Delayed bowel function recovery: Normal bowel function may take some time to return, and patients may experience a delay in being able to eat following the surgery.

Before the procedure

Several days prior to the surgery, your healthcare team may conduct pre-procedure tests to verify the safety of the upcoming operation. You might be required to stop taking certain medications before the procedure, and your healthcare providers will offer detailed guidelines to assist you in preparing for the surgery.

During the procedure.

Under general anesthesia, the surgical bypass involves the surgeon creating a small opening in the affected artery and inserting a graft, which can be a portion of one of your veins or a synthetic tube. This graft is then connected to facilitate the flow of blood through a healthy artery. While the procedure typically lasts three to five hours, when factoring in preparation and recovery, it extends for several additional hours. Following the surgery, a hospital stay of at least seven to ten days may be necessary.

After the procedure

After the surgery, most patients typically undergo routine admission to an intensive care unit for close monitoring, typically lasting one to two days. Subsequently, when transferred to the nursing unit, the hospital stay generally extends for an additional three to seven days. During the recovery phase, most patients can expect to receive physical therapy. Specific guidelines for your recovery will be provided by your doctor.

Outcome

Performing a surgical bypass to restore blood flow typically results in effective symptom relief.