I’m 71 years old and my abdominal aorta aneurysm is 6.7 I’m scared !

I imagine if your doctor is recommending surgery, it is because it it safe for you (or at least the likelyhood of a good outcome exceeeds the risk of not doing it). It is large at 6.7, worst case you could try to get a second opinion. Mine was not abdominal but Toraxic (ascending) and could only be fixed with open heart surgery, so probably more complicated, my Drs gave me excelent outlook for surgery and I had it done 4 years ago, I have a very active and normal life.

I wish you all he best, my main advice per above is to listen to your surgeon and Cardiologist

Thank you for your reply.
I’m struggling in making the decision for having the surgery.
One of the things that makes me to delay it for many years now is that I have no pain and i’m in good shape.
I walk 10,000 steps couple of times a week.

I survived a sudden complete dissection Type-A1 Ascending Arch Aneurysm at 50 years old. I would have gladly given my left arm to have avoiding emergency surgery. For a federal litigator like me, it was a total personal/medical/financial/professional/emotional disaster. Moreover, if I knew then what I know now, I would have the planned surgery 100 times out of 100. It's safer. It's better. You are basically asking whether you should keep doing 75MPH on the freeway, when you have gotten an alert of your dashboard that says your front left tire is about blow out. Do you pull over and change it before disaster strikes (planned surgery) or do you speed up and wait for the inevitable (emergency surgery)? I did not have the option since I did not have a clue what an aorta even was when mine blew out on a business trip to San Diego in 2015. If you knew now, what I know now, you would not even pose the question--you'd have the EVAR procedure. Don't ignore this. It's fatal. Here's my complete analysis:

You have an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is a ballooning or enlargement of the aorta, the large blood vessel that runs through your abdomen. Yours has grown to 6.7 cm, which is quite large.

What is EVAR?
EVAR stands for Endovascular Aneurysm Repair. It is a minimally invasive surgery where we use a small incision to insert a stent-graft (a tube covered with fabric) into the aorta to reinforce the weakened section and prevent it from rupturing.

Pros and Cons of Having Surgery Now
Pros:
Prevent Rupture: The biggest advantage is preventing the aneurysm from rupturing, which can be life-threatening.
Less Invasive: EVAR is less invasive than open surgery, meaning a shorter recovery time, less pain, and fewer complications.
Lower Risk of Complications: Acting now lowers the risk of the aneurysm bursting unexpectedly, which can be catastrophic.
Cons:
Surgery Risks: As with any surgery, there are risks such as infection, bleeding, or complications from anesthesia.
Need for Future Monitoring: After EVAR, you will need regular check-ups to ensure the stent-graft stays in place and functions correctly.
Waiting Until the Aneurysm Dissects
Pros:
Avoid Immediate Surgery: You avoid the immediate risks and recovery process associated with surgery.
Cons:
High Risk of Rupture: At 6.7 cm, the risk of the aneurysm rupturing is significant, which can be fatal or lead to severe complications.
Emergency Surgery: If it dissects (tears), emergency surgery will be required. This type of surgery has higher risks and complications compared to planned surgery.
Limited Options: In an emergency, EVAR might not be an option. You might need open surgery, which is more invasive, has a longer recovery period, and carries higher risks.
Will EVAR Be Possible if There is a Dissection?
If the aneurysm dissects, the situation becomes much more complicated. The structure of the aorta will be severely damaged, and it might not be suitable for EVAR. In many cases, emergency open surgery is required instead, which is more risky and demanding on your body.

Conclusion
Given the size of your aneurysm, having the EVAR procedure now can significantly reduce the risk of rupture and the associated severe complications. Waiting until the aneurysm dissects can lead to a more dangerous and complicated emergency situation, potentially making EVAR not feasible and necessitating a more invasive surgery with higher risks.

It's important to weigh these factors carefully and discuss them with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.

I greatly appreciate your Prospective by making me understand the risk I will be taking by not going for the surgery.
I realized that I procrastinated way too long and now it’s the time to move forward.
I’m hoping everything will turn out alright and hopefully I’ll be the same man after the surgery.
Thank you again for taking the time to respond to my concerns.

A big part of the success of the surgery is based on your general physical condition and health, you are in good shape that increases greatly the probability of a completely succesful surgery. As the other feedback from @moonboy above mentioned, you know you have it and that is already an incredible blessing, you can do something before it becomes a more difficult and incredibly dangerous and painful event. I also found mine through an unrelated event (broke my leg biking) and it was 5.2, I had the surgery 2 months later as I was recoverying from leg surgery. For me the choice wasn't even close, I wanted it fixed as soon as possible. I and my family are so glad I did, it turned out to be larger that the original measurements, I live a completely normal life, maintain myself in good shape and get to enjoy my family. The pain of the surgery does not compare to a disection or rupture, as @moonboy described.

Again I wish you the best!!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the kind words and encouragement.
May God bless all of us and keep us healthy while walking on this beautiful earth.

Listen to @moonboy, just below my comment. He is correct and giving you good advice. And EVAR is a heck of a lot safer than surgery, Cedar- Sinai is a solid hospital. Best of luck and don't wait for a dissection or rupture to occur. Have it done sooner than later. Michael

Dear sister, i know it's hard because I'm going through stuff now as well, but please trust and allow GOD to give peace. HE wants to help you, lean on HIM. The enemy is a lion looking to devour! he can't take your life but he will take your joy, especially now whispering to you things to scare you. Open GODS WORD! PRAISE HIM outloud everytime you get those bad thoughts! HE will give you peace!! I will be praying for you my dear sister, I hope you will pray for me as well. GOD BLESS YOU!!!

AAA above 5cm require surgical intervention and better to discuss with near by Doctor.

Get the operation asap