A twenty-two year review of elective resection of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

The clinical presentation and history of abdominal aortic aneurysm has changed little in the last 22 years. The improved results of elective resection of these lesions have occurred subsequent to advances in various aspects of treatment of this disease as well as increased experience in surgical management. The operative mortality associated with elective resection of abdominal aortic aneurysms has dropped to such a level that elective intervention is reinforced as the treatment of choice for this lesion. It is hoped that, with the continued improvement in the diagnostic phase resulting in earlier detection and surgical intervention, there may be a further reduction in the incidence of rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms and further prolongation of life in those patients in whom such lesions develop.