An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs when the walls of the main blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart (the aorta) are bulging or dilated. It is located in the abdominal area. Aneurysms can also occur in other areas of the aorta, but the abdomen is the most common site. AAA can be repaired either through “open surgery” or with the use of an “endovascular stent graft" (Endovascular aneurysm repair = EVAR) EVAR is a minimally invasive surgery to repair an aneurysm. It is performed through a small hole in the groin, rather than the large incision across the abdomen used in traditional surgery. Usually, it is performed in a hybrid theatre under X-ray guidance with the option to convert to open surgery if needed. EVAR is less invasive than open surgery and is now the preferred method to repair an AAA.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs when the walls of the main blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart (the aorta) are bulging or dilated. It is located in the abdominal area. Aneurysms can also occur in other areas of the aorta, but the abdomen is the most common site. AAA can be repaired either through “open surgery” or with the use of an “endovascular stent graft" (Endovascular aneurysm repair = EVAR) Open surgery — Open surgical correction of AAA involves removing the section of the abdominal aorta that is dilated and replacing it with a prosthesis made of synthetic material (also known as a graft) that is sutured into place . This will allow blood to flow normally and the artery wall is used to cover the graft. Planned or elective surgery reduces the risk of rupture of large asymptomatic AAA.

Surgical replacement of a diseased aortic valve (narrowing or leaking aortic valve) with mechanical (carbon) or biological (from animal tissue) valves. It is usually carried out as open heart surgery. If a patient is too frail to have open heart surgery or is at a high risk of complication, alternatives may be balloon dilatation of the diseased valve or valve implantation through a large artery in the groin.

Surgical removal of the distal colon (part of the large bowel), rectum, and anal sphincter complex using both anterior abdominal and perineal incisions. A permanent colostomy / stoma is formed (the end of the bowel is brought to the surface of the left abdomen). It has been developed more than 100 years ago, and it remains an important tool in the treatment of rectal cancer. However, with surgical advances, the operation may be carried out with keyhole surgery, and the anal sphincter may be preserved.

Laparoscopic removal of the appendix (with key hole surgery)