How long in hospital after preventive operation for abdominal aortic aneurysm?

littlerock

OH is on national monitoring programme for enlarged abdominal aortic  aneurysm. It bas just reached the stage where it is  recommended to have an op.  He is told his op will probably be endovascular insertion of a stent. (He is 69 and very fit. No other illnesses.) Waiting to see the surgeon.  Although working from home, he is quite busy and will need to arrange cover. Anyone know how long he will  have to stay in hospital afterwards? 

Rodders53

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/treatment/

Depends on the type of op and how he recovers. Ask the Surgeon during the consultation?

littlerock

Obviously planning to do that but wanting some idea of time in hospital so can start lining up stand in.  More in advance he knows length of time in hospital, rzsier it will be. He has been told it is very likely to be endovascular but not usual length of stay for AAA.. 

helensbiggestfan

Even with endovascular It isn't just about the length of time He will need to be in hospital for surgery.  You also need to factor in recuperation time at home. And this can be quite lengthy.  Weeks not days.  

My father had the open surgery version, was in hospital for 2 weeks.  The surgery was very successful, no complications and no infections but it did knock the stuffing out of him. The Big problem is he lost a serious amount of weight, despite me visiting him twice a day and taking him food he could actually eat......soft foods only, soups, purées, milky puddings, yogurts. 

He was in his early 70s and as fit as a fiddle but it was several weeks before he regained weight and strength.  He was very weak for quite a while, despite being as strong as an ox before the op.  

Maybe the endovascular version is less rough and the recovery time might be quicker but even so I would imagine your husband may need a good couple of weeks post surgery to fully recuperate. 

 

Mojisola

My Dad was only in for a week after an AAA repair but the surgeon was very surprised that he was fit to leave so quickly and took to calling him "Captain Marvel".

Rodders53

READ the NHS link I gave.   It gives the approx timescales for both operation types!!!! AND the recovery timescales to expect. Also covers the risks and complications that can happen.

Endo: "You'll normally stay in hospital for 2 or 3 days after the operation, and it can take a few weeks or months to fully recover."
Open: "You'll usually stay in hospital for 7 to 10 days after the operation, and it will take a few weeks or months to fully recover."

Surgeon will confirm the expected plan -  but things can change mid-surgery.  Plan for worst case.  Work will likely have to cope without DH for some considerable time, but the operation should give a much longer life.

littlerock

Thanks everyone 

turbotnator

All the best, hope everything's ok with the op!