If it helps any to diminish a little of your fears, I will tell you that in 2016 I was 78 years old and had the surgery for repair of aortic aneurysm. My surgery was done at Mayo in Rochester and I can honestly say it was not that difficult of a recovery. It was the only major surgery I've had in my long life. I cannot praise enough my surgeon, Dr. Pochettino and his staff, each and every one of them were the best. I went into the surgery room with complete confidence that all would be positive and it was. It is best to have complete trust in your surgeon as I believe that helps so much for a quick recovery. Hope this info is helpful to you.