The “stable” ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm gives a false sense of security

Background: Operative mortality for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA) has not changed over the past 4 decades. Previous studies have attempted to identify preoperative risk factors that impact upon survival. Method: A retrospective review of 25 patients with rAAA treated during a 2-year period was performed. Patients were divided into groups based upon the presence (GpI), absence (GpIIa), or subsequent development of preoperative hypotension (GpIIb). Time intervals from initial presentation to arrival in the operating room (IP-OR), to cross clamp application (IP-XC), and from observed hypotension to cross clamp (HYPO-XC) were recorded. Results: Average time intervals for IP-OR and IP-XC were significantly shorter for GpI compared with GpIIa and GpIIb. No difference in HYPO-XC was noted between GpI and GpIIb. Mortality was 33% for GpI, 25% for GpIIa, and 87.5% for GpIIb. Conclusions: Normal admission blood pressure led to a decreased sense of urgency, creating avoidable delays and missed opportunities for salvage.