Aortic Aneurysm Repair
What is Aortic Aneurysm Repair?
Aortic aneurysm repair is a critical surgical procedure to treat an aortic aneurysm, a bulge or weakening in the wall of the aorta, the body’s main artery. If untreated, an aneurysm can rupture, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding. In India, aortic aneurysm repair is performed in advanced medical centers by skilled vascular or cardiothoracic surgeons, making it accessible and cost-effective compared to Western countries. For patients in India, understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) is vital for informed decision-making and optimal outcomes.
Why do you need Aortic Aneurysm Repair?
An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement of the aorta, often caused by high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, genetic conditions (e.g., Marfan syndrome), or trauma. Aortic aneurysm repair aims to prevent rupture by reinforcing or replacing the weakened aortic segment. The procedure is recommended when the aneurysm grows large (typically >5–5.5 cm), causes symptoms (e.g., chest or back pain), or shows signs of rapid expansion.
Types of aortic aneurysms include:
- Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA): Located in the chest.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Located in the abdomen.
In India, hospitals like Apollo, Fortis, Medanta, and AIIMS offer state-of-the-art facilities for aortic aneurysm repair, catering to both domestic and international patients.
Why Do Aortic Aneurysm Repair Costs Vary in India?
The cost of aortic aneurysm repair in India ranges from ₹4 lakh to ₹15 lakh, depending on:
- Procedure Type: Open surgery (₹4–8 lakh) is cheaper than EVAR/TEVAR (₹8–15 lakh) due to costly stent-grafts and equipment.
- Hospital & Location: Top hospitals in metro cities (e.g., Apollo, Medanta) charge more; government hospitals like AIIMS cost less but may have wait times.
- Surgeon Expertise: Experienced vascular or cardiothoracic surgeons charge higher fees.
- Extra Costs: Diagnostics, ICU, medications, or complications increase expenses.
- Insurance & Aid: Many insurance plans cover medically necessary repairs; schemes like Ayushman Bharat.
Aortic Aneurysm Repair Procedure
The procedure varies based on the aneurysm’s location, size, and the patient’s health. The main approaches are:
- Before Surgery Evaluation:
- Diagnosis involves imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds to assess the aneurysm’s size and location.
- Blood tests, ECG, and stress tests evaluate overall health and surgical risks.
- Patients with risk factors (e.g., smoking, hypertension) are counseled to optimize their condition pre-surgery.
- Surgical Techniques:
- Open Surgical Repair:
- Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 4–6 hours.
- For AAA, an incision is made in the abdomen; for TAA, in the chest.
- The weakened aortic segment is replaced with a synthetic graft (usually Dacron or PTFE).
- Common for complex or large aneurysms but involves longer recovery.
- Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) or Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (TEVAR):
- A minimally invasive procedure using a stent-graft inserted via catheters through the groin arteries.
- The stent-graft reinforces the aorta from within, redirecting blood flow.
- Preferred for smaller aneurysms or high-risk patients, offering shorter recovery.
- Takes 2–3 hours under general or local anesthesia.
- Open Surgical Repair:
- Post-Surgery:
- Patients are monitored in the ICU for 1–3 days, depending on the procedure.
- Open surgery patients may stay in the hospital for 7–10 days; EVAR/TEVAR patients are discharged in 3–5 days.
- Follow-up imaging ensures the graft or stent is functioning properly.
Recovery After Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Recovery depends on the procedure type and the patient’s health:
- Hospital Stay:
- Open surgery requires 7–10 days in the hospital, including 2–3 days in the ICU.
- EVAR/TEVAR patients typically stay 3–5 days, with 1–2 days in the ICU.
- Post-Surgery Care:
- Pain is managed with medications (e.g., opioids initially, then NSAIDs).
- Patients are monitored for complications like graft leakage or infection.
- Blood pressure control is critical to protect the graft or stent.
- Rehabilitation:
- Light walking is encouraged within days to prevent blood clots.
- Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or driving is avoided for 6–8 weeks (open surgery) or 2–4 weeks (EVAR/TEVAR).
- A low-sodium, heart-healthy diet and smoking cessation are recommended.
- Follow-Up:
- Regular check-ups with a vascular surgeon, including CT scans or ultrasounds, monitor the graft/stent (every 6–12 months initially).
- Lifelong management of risk factors (e.g., hypertension, cholesterol) is essential.
Most patients resume normal activities within 6–12 weeks (open surgery) or 2–6 weeks (EVAR/TEVAR). Long-term survival rates are high, with 90–95% success at one year, provided complications are managed.
Risks and Complications
Aortic aneurysm repair is complex and carries risks, though advancements have reduced these significantly:
- Bleeding:
- Excessive bleeding during or after surgery may require transfusions or reoperation.
- Infection:
- Graft or stent infections are rare but serious, requiring antibiotics or surgical intervention.
- Endoleak (EVAR/TEVAR):
- Blood leakage into the aneurysm sac due to improper stent sealing, potentially requiring additional procedures.
- Kidney or Spinal Cord Damage:
- Reduced blood flow during surgery may affect kidney function or, rarely, cause paralysis (more common in TAA repair).
- Heart or Lung Complications:
- Heart attack, stroke, or pneumonia may occur, particularly in patients with comorbidities.
- Graft Failure:
- The graft or stent may clog or shift, necessitating further intervention.
Prompt reporting of symptoms like fever, chest/abdominal pain, or swelling ensures timely management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes an aortic aneurysm?
Common causes include high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, smoking, genetic disorders (e.g., Marfan syndrome), or trauma.
Can an aortic aneurysm be treated without surgery?
Small, asymptomatic aneurysms (<4.5 cm) may be monitored with imaging and lifestyle changes, but larger or symptomatic aneurysms require repair.
Is EVAR/TEVAR better than open surgery?
EVAR/TEVAR offers faster recovery and fewer complications for suitable patients but may not be feasible for complex aneurysms.
How long is the recovery period?
Open surgery recovery takes 6–12 weeks; EVAR/TEVAR takes 2–6 weeks for full activity resumption.
Is aortic aneurysm repair covered by insurance in India?
Most insurance plans cover the procedure if medically necessary. Confirm with your provider.
What are the signs of complications post-surgery?
Fever, severe pain, swelling, shortness of breath, or leg pain may indicate issues and require immediate medical attention.
Can children or elderly patients undergo this surgery?
Yes, but eligibility depends on overall health. Pediatric cases (e.g., Marfan syndrome) are handled in specialized centers, while elderly patients may prefer EVAR/TEVAR.
How can I prevent an aortic aneurysm?
Control blood pressure, quit smoking, manage cholesterol, and undergo regular check-ups if at risk (e.g., family history).
Conclusion
Aortic aneurysm repair is a life-saving procedure for patients at risk of aortic rupture, with India offering world-class treatment at affordable costs. Whether through open surgery or minimally invasive EVAR/TEVAR, patients benefit from advanced technology and skilled surgeons in hospitals like Apollo, Medanta, or AIIMS. By understanding the procedure, cost factors, recovery, risks, and FAQs, patients can approach this surgery with confidence. For personalized advice, consult a vascular or cardiothoracic surgeon promptly to assess your condition and explore treatment options.
Looking for Best Hospitals for Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Note: we are not promoting any hospitals
we are not promoting any hospitals we sourced all the details from google and hospitals website, please verify and start with your surgery here we go the list includes government, budget and superspeciality hospitals accreditation bodies are the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) and the Joint Commission International (JCI)
- click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
| City | Minimum Price (₹) | Maximum Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|
Agra |
4,00,000 |
9,00,000 |
Ahmedabad |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Ajmer |
4,00,000 |
9,00,000 |
Aligarh |
4,00,000 |
9,00,000 |
Allahabad |
4,00,000 |
9,00,000 |
Amritsar |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Aurangabad |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Bangalore |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Bareilly |
4,00,000 |
9,00,000 |
Belgaum |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Bhopal |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Bhubaneswar |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Bikaner |
4,00,000 |
9,00,000 |
Chandigarh |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Chennai |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Coimbatore |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Dehradun |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Delhi |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Dhanbad |
4,00,000 |
9,00,000 |
Durgapur |
4,00,000 |
9,00,000 |
Faridabad |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Ghaziabad |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Gorakhpur |
4,00,000 |
9,00,000 |
Guntur |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Gurgaon |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Guwahati |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Gwalior |
4,00,000 |
9,00,000 |
Hyderabad |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Indore |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Jabalpur |
4,00,000 |
9,00,000 |
Jaipur |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Jalandhar |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Jamshedpur |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Jodhpur |
4,00,000 |
9,00,000 |
Kanpur |
4,00,000 |
9,00,000 |
Kochi |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Kolkata |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Kollam |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Lucknow |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Ludhiana |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Madurai |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Mangalore |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Meerut |
4,00,000 |
9,00,000 |
Moradabad |
4,00,000 |
9,00,000 |
Mumbai |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Mysore |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Nagpur |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Nashik |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Navi Mumbai |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Noida |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Patna |
4,00,000 |
9,00,000 |
Pune |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Raipur |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Rajkot |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Ranchi |
4,00,000 |
9,00,000 |
Surat |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Thane |
4,50,000 |
10,00,000 |
Vadodara |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Varanasi |
4,00,000 |
9,00,000 |
Visakhapatnam |
4,25,000 |
9,50,000 |
Disclaimer
This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.