International angiology : a journal of the International Union of Angiology
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Comparative Study
The role of septic complications in aortic aneurysm surgery.
Out of 229 patients operated due to abdominal aortic aneurysms, 51 (22.3%) had prolonged (> 120 hours) postoperative intensive care stay. The mortality rate in this group was 27% representing 46% of the total mortality. ⋯ Reoperations, time for ventilatory support, incidence of renal failure and dialysis, gastrointestinal complications and mortality were all frequent in patients with septic postoperative complications as compared to those with non-septic complications, the latter mainly of cardiovascular origin. Signs of organ dysfunction should raise a suspicion of a septic complication and prompt insertion of diagnostic procedures and therapeutic interventions are necessary in order to minimize morbidity and mortality.