If the aneurysm is small and there are no symptoms (for example, if the aneurysm is found during a routine physical examination), your health care provider may recommend periodic evaluation, usually with annual ultrasound examination, to watch for changes.
Symptomatic aneurysms usually require surgical treatment to prevent complications. Antihypertensive medications may be prescribed before surgery to reduce blood pressure. Other medications may include analgesics to relieve pain.
Surgical repair or replacement of the section of aorta is recommended for patients with symptoms, as they are at high risk of fatal rupture. Repair is also recommended for patients with aneurysms greater than 5 cm in diameter. The goal of treatment is to perform surgery before complications develop.
The risk of complications increases as the size of the aneurysm increases. Because surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm is risky, the surgeon may wait for the aneurysm to expand to a certain size before operating (that is, when the risk of complications exceeds the risk of surgery).
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