What is the correct cm in thoracic aorta ansersym to have surgery

Not only would I get a second opinion, I would fire this doctor. Sounds like guidelines from the 1980s or 90s. You need cardiologists and surgeons that specialize in this sort of thing. I figured out that the average doctors in Tallahassee were clueless about these things and went to Mayo in Jacksonville last July. Turns out I had several things going on and the aortic root and ascending aorta aneurysms were 4th on the list. By Sep 6th, I had 3 catheter procedures. On Sep 10th, I had open heart surgery resect a right coronary artery aneurysm, ligate a complex coronary fistula from the RCA and LAD to the pulmonary artery and a double bypass on the LAD. After all that, I ended up with a Bental procedure that day to replace the root, valve and most of the ascending aorta. It was 4.8 cm at the root but disintegrated when they were about to close me up. Fortunately we had discussed 3 contingency plans and the surgeon was ready for that. It ended up being 14 hours of surgery. I wasted from Oct 2023 to July 2024 with the local cardiologist blowing me off. Turns out I wouldn't have made it to Christmas with about 4 ways to die. I have posted more in depth discussions about my odyssey in other threads.

Good morning!

I have been monitoring a growing AAA (Now 5.9 mm) for 20 yrs. If you have any doubts, get a second opinion “quickly”, like I have done in the past. However if the consult is a different outcome than the initial recommendation given, it could pose another surgical “rubik’s cube” trying to make decisions if “time is of the essence”.

Other thoughts…
Although cost should not be a determining factor in choices between two consults, your insurance company may differ in surgical coverage or facilities used. Also important to me, was researching the pharmaceutical company used as a supplier, such as a Dacron graft, ect. However, trust choices the surgeons have made if not interested in this research or time is a factor. The type of devices used should be documented in the final surgical report on your patient portal, or a copy can always be requested from medical records. The surgeon’s staff should also be able to assist.

It’s awesome, and extremely helpful, to have support on the Mayo Connection from wonderful individuals who are willing to share their experiences. Although a decision regarding surgical intervention is a challenge for many, the final choice is your’s.

Remember…”You are not alone and “have a voice”!

Retired medical manager (A challenge now being the patient!)

I believe the standard is 5 cm. I would get a 2nd opinion with cardiothoracic.
Somewhere else.

I am so sorry you had to go through all of that. I hope you are feeling better today .

Thank you.

Hello. In Norway it is 4,5cm. (Mine were 10, 6.5 & 4- I had 3. Just barely survived the 12 hr surgery.

Emotionally how do you feel about your life with a 5.9 ascending aorotic aneurysm? Mine is 5.5 and I am not a good candidate for repair because of lung and autoimmune issues. I struggle emotionally & physically to move forward in living life each day just knowing today maybe my last. How do you cope?

One of my physicians (Holistic MD) recently told me my decision regarding whether to have major surgery or not, is like being “caught between a rock and a hard place”. Both choices have outcomes that could have dire consequences. However, I am fortunate at being given special time to “prepare”, when many others in life may not have this opportunity. He also said to find peace within oneself and treat every day as a gift. His final statement was that I might be one of the lucky ones, the aneurysm may not rupture, and to stay positive.

Thoughts..
1). Surround oneself with loving
family, friends and laughter
2). Develop a great healthcare
support. I created a
fabulous team of three
healthcare professionals in
addition to Mayo’s vascular
physicians. They are a female
internal physician, holistic MD
and dietitian. Although working
in separate practices, all are
focused on keeping me alive as
long as possible.
3). Prepare for the worst, then
enjoy every day as a gift,
thinking positively.
4). Acknowledge others with
thankfulness through love and
kindness. A “random act of
kindness” could change a
person’s day or life. It also helps
to stop thinking a while about
one’s frightening challenges,
like I do at times.
5). Have a “purpose” that is
positive and brings you joy.
6). Take time for yourself through
body, mind, spirit. Music, walks,
meditation, gardening rest. Whatever
makes you happy to be alive. “Just do it”,
even traveling, if a doctor’s approval.

My mom was my teacher, as she had two large inoperable aneurysms that never ruptured. She lived her life to the fullest and never looked back.

Is your AAA hereditary, like mine?

Peace for your soul.

I have a 5.1 cm ascending aortic aneurysm and have consulted with 5 vascular surgeons from highly reputable hospitals and they all seem to use the same guidelines for when to recommend surgery. Each one recommended surgery for me and I’m a very healthy 67 year old man. I’m reluctant to have surgery at this point and will monitor every 6 months. However based on the risk factors provided to me, surgery carries the lower risk compared to the watch and weight approach. That’s based on risk of dissection or rupture versus mortality from surgery. It’s a horrible choice either way and I’m not 100% settled on my choice just yet. Peace.

It is every individual’s decision but At 67 and healthy I would listen to your surgeons, age will start doing its thing to your body and the aneurysm will just get worse if it doesn’t dissect/rupture first. I had my Ascending AA repaired 5 years ago at 54 and 5.2 cm, I was in great health and shape, my surgeon gave me >99% chances of no complications, the stress of having a time bomb was way stronger than any fear about the surgery. When I was 14 years old my next door neighbor who lived alone collapsed on the side of his house, moaning in pain, I jumped the fence and struggled to get him to his bed while my mom called an ambulance. He passed 2 hrs later at the hospital from a ruptured Abdominal AA. That experience it’s ingrained in my mind, when my time came I did not doubt a minute, chose surgery as soon as it could be done.
I wish you all the best!!!