Livorno Hospital performs first awake abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery

Surgeons at the Livorno Hospital in Italy have successfully performed a first-of-its-kind surgery on an awake patient to treat an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The procedure utilized a small abdominal incision, allowing the patient to breathe independently and remain without pain throughout the operation.

The patient, who was in delicate clinical condition and required home oxygen therapy, underwent the procedure without complications and was discharged after a few days. This “Awake” surgery technique is specifically designed for fragile patients with compromised respiratory functions for whom general anesthesia poses significant risks. It is also used when anatomical characteristics prevent endovascular intervention.

According to Baldassare Ferro, director of the Anesthesia, Resuscitation, and Analgesic Therapy unit, the technique requires specialized skills to manage pain through nerve-specific anesthesia and light sedation while maintaining stable respiratory and cardiovascular functions.