A back pain that can kill
A relatively common and are potentially life-threatening condition, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is all too often a silent killer among the elderly.
Carers, as well as the elderly themselves, should be wary of any abdominal or back pain as these can be a symptom of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm – the dilation of the blood vessel in the abdominal area.
The pain is caused when the dilated aorta artery puts pressure on the other organs such as the nerves or the arteries. In thin people, a pulsating mass or tumour may also be found in the abdominal area.
If the condition is left untreated, the aneurysm can gradually leak and eventually rupture, causing sudden death. The earlier these symptoms are discovered, the greater the opportunity for timely treatment.
The aorta is the largest artery in the body and is responsible for carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to every part of the body. A dilation or bulge in this artery may be caused by the body itself. The walls of the blood vessel weaken with age, especially in people above the age of 50. Eating food that is high in cholesterol causes fatty deposits in the walls of the blood vessel, thereby clogging it.
Other factors that can cause the condition include hypertension, smoking and an unhealthy lifestyle. An aneurysm can occur in any blood vessel, including the heart, kidney, brain or the abdomen, where it is most common.
For the doctor, it is important to know the patient’s risk factors, whether he or she has hypertension, heart disease or whether the blood vessel in the brain or kidney is blocked. Treatment is carried out by determining the size of the aneurysm. If it is less than 5cm, the physician will conduct an ultrasound and observe the condition of the patient or take a CT scan every three to six months, depending on the patient’s condition.
If the size is larger than 5cm, the physicians will recommend surgery. There are two types of surgeries. Open Surgery is done through the abdomen and this procedure has been used for a long time. The dilated aorta is removed and replaced with a prosthesis made of synthetic material that is sutured into place.
Another type of surgery, one which does not require abdominal incision, is Endovascular surgery. This new surgical procedure involves surgery through the blood vessel and is suitable for patients who have other risk factors.
However, the risk is greater and the costs are considerably higher. Treatment takes seven days and if there are no complications, infections or bleeding after surgery, the patients may return home for rest and recovery.
Prevention is mainly common sense and include paying more attention to one’s health by adopting health eating habits, exercising, taking adequate rest and having regular annual health check-ups with increasing age.
An ultrasound check-up will enable physicians to identify any abnormalities in the blood vessels and in the body’s circulatory system. If there are any clogged blood vessels in the heart, kidney and especially the brain, patients may be at risk of developing a stroke.
Be disciplined in your healthcare now so that you can be happy and free from diseases during your retirement.
DR NARONG JARASVIROJ is a specialist in Laparoscopic surgery and Endoscopy at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital. Call (02) 378 9000.
