How Serious Is An Aneurysm In Your Stomach?

The occurrence of an aneurysm in the stomach is a serious issue. Attending to it immediately is vital to prevent rupture of the same. An aneurysm is a formation of a balloon-like structure at the weakest region on the wall of the aorta. The balloon-like structure forms because of the high flow of blood pumped by the heart through the aorta.

The growth of an aneurysm is slow. However, after a specific value of the dimension, it ruptures and causes spillage of blood into the surrounding region. It not only creates a disturbance to the usual flow of the blood, but also damages the surrounding nerves and arteries.

As stated, it is possible for an aneurysm to occur at any point on the aorta, which is the largest blood vessel in the body. The aorta has an ascending and descending structure. The descending structure ventures into the stomach region and has several branches of arteries that supply blood to the chest, the ribs, and mammary glands.

The formation of an aneurysm in the stomach region poses a serious threat, as it reduces the flow of blood to the arteries that are responsible for supplying blood to the lower part of the body. Besides, if the size of an aneurysm exceeds 5 cm in dimension, there is a high chance for rupture. A rupture of an aneurysm leads to a life-threatening condition, making it difficult for the individual to survive.

The causes behind the occurrence of a stomach aneurysm are still unknown. However, doctors relate the formation of a stomach aneurysm because of accumulation of cholesterol, high blood pressure, family history, previous episode of an aneurysm, and excessive use of tobacco.

Because a stomach aneurysm fails to display the symptoms that allow the doctor to identify it in its initial stage, it becomes difficult to attend to it and provide help at the earliest. The only way to recognize its presence is by carrying out screening tests such as MRI scan, echocardiogram, angiogram, X-ray and CT scan.

The screening methods are helpful in revealing the presence of a stomach aneurysm along with its location, structure, and size. If the size is above 5 cm, the doctor admits the patient for carrying out an operation to remove a stomach aneurysm. Not everyone goes under the knife because several factors require attention. In this case, it is the age of the patient, the overall health condition, previous history of an aneurysm, family history of an aneurysm, blood pressure, cholesterol content, and use of tobacco products

In many cases, the surgeon calculates the post-operation risk factors, as it is difficult for many to see a substantial improvement. The post-operation results in partial impairment/disability and some cases leads to internal bleeding causing death. Therefore, it is hard, even for the doctor, to estimate the recovery period for stomach aneurysm. The doctor retains the patient after the surgery and monitors the progress using the screening procedures.

If an aortic aneurysm measures below 5 cm diametrically, then the doctor opts for a change in eating habits that help in cutting down the cholesterol and high blood pressure levels. The therapy also includes the inclusion of exercises that help in controlling the flow of the blood and reducing stress on the stomach aorta. Continuous monitoring will be helpful for the doctor to make alterations from time to time.

When there is progress in the growth of stomach aneurysm and reaches over 5 cm diametrically, the doctor opts for open or endovascular surgery.

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