Mortality and paraplegia after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair: a risk factor analysis

Background. Recent recommendations regarding thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) management have emphasized individualized treatment based on balancing a patient’s calculated risk of rupture with their anticipated risk of postoperative death or paraplegia. The purpose of this study was to enhance this risk-benefit decision by providing contemporary results and determining which preoperative risk factors currently predict mortality and paraplegia after TAAA surgery. Methods. Risk factor analyses based on data regarding 1,220 consecutive patients undergoing TAAA repair from 1986 through 1998 were performed using multiple logistic regression with step-wise model selection. Results. The 30-day mortality rate was 4.8% (58 of 1,220) and the incidence of paraplegia was 4.6% (56 of 1,206). For elective cases, predictors of operative mortality included renal insufficiency (p = 0.0001), increasing age (p = 0.0005), symptomatic aneurysms (p = 0.0059), and extent II aneurysms (p = 0.0054). Extent II aneurysms (p = 0.0023) and diabetes (p = 0.0402) were predictors of paraplegia. Conclusions. These risk models may assist in decisions regarding elective TAAA operations. For patients who are acceptable candidates, contemporary surgical management provides favorable results.