Aortic Dissections-Postoperative Care and Considerations

Abstract

Postoperative care following aortic dissection is a multidisciplinary effort, which is enhanced by the presence of an experienced team. Overall outcomes, including survival, are correlated with the early postoperative course and presence of complications such as malperfusion. Despite improvements, in-hospital mortality remains high. Patients who do survive to hospital discharge have a positive prognosis; however, additional interventions for progression of aortic disease may be required. Discharge recommendations for patient care are largely institution and provider dependent due to limited data driven guidelines. Further study is warranted into these areas as well as health related quality of life following aortic dissection.

Keywords: Aortic dissection; Aortic surveillance; Postoperative care.