Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair - open: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Some issues can be managed with routine contact, while others require same-day advice or emergency care.

   Emergency symptoms (seek emergency care now)

   • Heavy bleeding from the incision or sudden bleeding from anywhere else
   • Severe sudden abdominal or back pain
   • Chest pain or trouble breathing that is severe or rapidly worsening
   • Sudden weakness , numbness, trouble speaking, or facial drooping
   • Black or bloody stools , or vomiting blood
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Call your healthcare team promptly if you have symptoms that could be related to recovery problems.

   If you’re unsure whether something is routine or urgent, ask your care team.

   Urgent symptoms (get medical advice the same day)

   • Fever or chills that don’t settle
   • Drainage from the incision, especially if it’s pus-like or foul smelling
   • Worsening pain in the belly, back, or near the incision rather than steady improvement
   • New shortness of breath , especially if it’s worsening
   • Lightheadedness , fainting, or feeling weak in a way that’s unusual for you
   • New leg swelling , one-sided calf pain, or sudden changes in leg color or temperature

   These symptoms can have different causes, but they need prompt evaluation after this type of surgery.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine follow-up concerns (contact soon, not emergency)

   • Mild incision redness that is slowly improving, or small areas of bruising
   • Increasing soreness around the incision that is still manageable and not rapidly worsening
   • Constipation or slower bowel function that is improving gradually
   • Mild swelling in the legs that improves with rest and time
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair - open. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.