Oxygen dependent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease does not prohibit aortic aneurysm repair

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.