Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
The results of operation in 76 patients with a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm are presented with an analysis of the cause of operative death. Overall mortality was 58 per cent and preoperative hypotension significantly increased mortality; deterioration while awaiting operation made a successful outcome particularly unlikely. No group could be identified, however, in which operation was without hope of saving life, and age alone should not contraindicate surgery.
Butler et al. (1978) studied this question.