ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM REPAIR (OPEN)
Indication: AAA ≥5.5 cm in men (≥4.5–5.0 cm in women), symptomatic AAA of any size, or rapidly expanding AAA (>1 cm/year). Open repair selected when endovascular anatomy is unfavourable or patient preference.
Patient Position: Supine. Urinary catheter and arterial line placed.
Anaesthesia: General (with or without epidural). Blood products available. Cell saver used.
Incision: Midline laparotomy (transperitoneal) or left flank retroperitoneal approach. Retroperitoneal approach preferred for inflammatory aneurysms, hostile abdomen, or need for juxtarenal/suprarenal access.