Almost all AAAs measuring 5.5cm or larger can be treated by surgery.
The vascular surgeon (hospital specialist doctor) will discuss treatment options with you.
Generally, there are two types of treatment available:
Open repair: This is an operation that stitches a piece of material, called a graft, inside the abdominal aorta, to strengthen the artery at the point of the AAA and reduce the chance of it rupturing. It is done through a large cut in your abdomen.
Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR): This is an operation that places an artificial piece of artery, called a stent, inside your abdominal aorta, to strengthen the abdominal aorta at the point of the AAA and reduce the chance of it rupturing. It is done through small cuts in your groin to access your arteries. You will need follow-up scans to make sure that the stent has not moved.
As with any operation, there is a risk associated with having surgery for an AAA. The vascular surgeon will discuss the procedure, possible risks and any other questions you may have.