This retrospective study is designed to show changes in mortality rates due to the technological improvements and developments at the same institution.

Materials and Methods:

99 patients with infrarenal aortic aneurysm are operated between 1985-1997. Patients are divided into two categories. The first one is consisted of 28 patients that operated between 1985-1990 and the second 71 cases that operated between 1991-1997. The aim of grouping is to show mortality difference after the increased capacity and technical improvements of the institution at 1991. All of the patient records are analyzed and a letter with a questionnaire is send to patients and also they invited to control examination.

Results:

Peroperative total mortality was found 9,1%, 17,9% in the first group and 5,6% in the second group. The mean follow-up period was 45 month (2-151) and follow-up rate 70%, and 17,8% late mortality was found.

Conclusion:

This significant decrease in peroperative mortality is resulted from the technical improvements, increased capacity, better cardiac risk assessment and increased experience of surgical team. It is clear that the centers with improved technical facilities and critical care units had more acceptable mortality rates for abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery.