Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm mean an end to diving?

[dmoore19]

Like the title states, does this mean and end to diving? My BIL had a rupture. Luckily he made it into surgery. We are at the hospital now while they repair the rupture.

He and his wife are divers. While we are waiting the conversation went to the question of if diving is over for him.

I have a susupicion that it is not but would like to pose the question.

Thanks for your answers.

 

[TSandM]

If it is successfully repaired, and there are no complications from the rupture or the surgery, then he's basically the same as anyone else with a vascular graft in place. However, he should be very aware that vascular disease is a systemic disease, and that a) he has a higher risk of femoral and popliteal aneurysms than the general population, and b) the presence of this degree of vascular disease has implications for coronary arteries and carotids. For me, if I had a AAA repair, I'd at least want a stress test done before I considered diving again.

 

[dmoore19]

Thanks!

I was hoping to use this information as a means to lift his spirits.

Since the first post a few more things have been confirmed. He is lucky to still be living. It was an open abdominal repair and ended up being a thoracic as well as an abdominal procedure. He has some complications regarding his kidneys and his heart went into fibrillation during the procedure. They were able to perform CPR and stabilize his heart. His kidneys may not be so lucky. The plumbing has been repaired. He has a long road to recovery.

It may still give him something to look forward to at some point in the future.

 

[Insta-Gator]

D, hope he is improving. Given the extent of his procedures you may want to consider a replacement sport to give him something to look forward to. Telling him he is 'done with diving' may be depressing. Conversing about some other activity he is interested in may be a better route. Remember, even if he gets a pass from the Dr to dive, should something go bad at depth, it's not just his life that will be in danger.

 

[TSandM]

He is very lucky to be alive. The survival from ruptured AAA is variable, but it is not high anywhere. When you involve the thoracic aorta in the repair, it becomes a massive operation. He had some VERY good surgeons.

He does, indeed, have a long road to recovery. But it may be complete. Only time will tell, and it's way to soon to say, "No more diving for you!"