Endovascular Aneurysm Repair versus Open Aneurysm Repair: Comparison of Treatment Outcome and Procedure-Related Reintervention Rate

We conducted a retrospective study to compare treatment outcome and procedure-related re-intervention rates of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) with those of open repair. Clinical and radiological data of patients treated at the Rijnstate Hospital (Arnhem, The Netherlands) for nonsymptomatic aortic abdominal aneurysm during October 1998-January 2004 were reviewed and analyzed for demographic data, aneurysm specifics, comorbid condition status, and peri-operative outcome. There were 99 patients treated with EVAR and 116 patients treated with open repair. Significant differences in age were seen between treatment groups, patients under the age of 80 being more likely to have open repair (p <0.004). The EVAR group consisted of significantly fewer women (p <0.029). Of seven comorbid conditions, four reached significant differences between treatment groups; patients with ischemic heart disease (p <0.044), heart failure (p <0.006), renal failure (p <0.033), or peripheral arterial disease (p <0.006) were more likely to have EVAR. Comparison of aneurysm anatomy showed no difference in size between EVAR (mean 57.7 mm, 95% Cl 55.9-59.5 mm) and open repair (mean 60.1 mm, 95% Cl 57.9-62.3 mm). Significant differences were seen in aneurysm neck length and diameter. Operative outcome showed differences in length of hospital stay (median, EVAR 7 vs. open repair 11 days), 30-day mortality (p <0.048), postoperative hematoma (p <0.001), and postoperative pulmonary infections (p <0.001), all in favor of EVAR. Follow-up of the EVAR group showed a decrease (mean 10 mm, 95% Cl 7-14 mm) of aneurysm diameter in 15% of cases during follow-up (mean 18 months, range 1-66). Despite higher age and more comorbidity of patients undergoing EVAR, 30-day mortality, postoperative pulmonary infection rate, and length of hospital stay were lower than for those undergoing open repair. Both EVAR and open repair can be performed on a subset of patients with low mortality, complication, and reintervention rates.