Mk. Eskandari et al., Oxygen dependent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease does not prohibit aortic aneurysm repair, AM J SURG, 178(2), 1999, pp. 125-128
BACKGROUND: Severe oxygen-dependent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (
COPD) is considered by many to be a contraindication to open abdominal aort
ic aneurysm (AAA) repair. We reviewed our own experience with this patient
population.
METHODS: From July 1995 to March 1999, 14 consecutive patients limited by h
ome oxygen-dependent COPD underwent elective open infrarenal AAA repair. Th
eir medical records were reviewed.
RESULTS: The mean aortic aneurysm size was 6.3 cm. The mean PaO2 = 70 mm Hg
, PaCO2 = 45 mm Hg, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) = 34% of pr
edicted, and forced vital capacity (FVC) = 67% of predicted. All 14 patient
s were extubated within 24 hours, mean length of hospital stay was 5.9 days
, and there were no perioperative deaths.
CONCLUSIONS: Severe home oxygen-dependent COPD is not a contraindication to
safe elective open AAA repair. Am J Surg. 1999;178:125-128, (C) 1999 by Ex
cerpta Medica, Inc.