About Popliteal Aneurysm
Key Highlights
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Prevents life- or limb-threatening complications like rupture or acute limb ischemia.Restores normal blood flow to the lower leg and foot, alleviating symptoms like pain and coolness.Significantly reduces the risk of future blood clot formation and subsequent amputation.Performed by specialized vascular surgeons with expertise in complex arterial reconstructions.Utilizes durable synthetic grafts designed for long-term patency and function.
Who is this surgery for?
- Aneurysm diameter greater than 2 cm or rapid enlargement on serial imaging.
- Presence of symptoms such as knee or calf pain, pulsatile mass behind the knee, or foot/leg coolness.
- Evidence of blood clots (thrombus) within the aneurysm sac on ultrasound or CT scan.
- Distal embolization causing pain, discoloration, or ulceration in the toes or foot.
- Asymptomatic aneurysms in patients with a history of contralateral popliteal aneurysm complications.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive vascular imaging (Duplex Ultrasound, CTA, or MRA) to map the aneurysm and plan surgery.
- Pre-operative cardiac and pulmonary evaluation to ensure fitness for anesthesia.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin) as advised by the surgeon.
- Management of co-existing conditions like hypertension and diabetes to optimize surgical outcomes.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours prior to the scheduled procedure time.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding, infection, or hematoma at the surgical site.
- Damage to adjacent nerves, potentially causing numbness or weakness in the leg or foot.
- Graft occlusion (blockage) or stenosis (narrowing), requiring further intervention.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
- Compartment syndrome (rare but serious swelling in the leg muscles).
- Wound healing problems, especially in patients with poor circulation.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring circulation, pain management, and wound care.
- Early mobilization with assistance to prevent blood clots and promote healing.
- Strict leg elevation when resting to reduce swelling.
- Gradual resumption of walking, avoiding strenuous activity or heavy lifting for several weeks.
- Regular follow-up visits for wound checks and surveillance imaging (ultrasound) to ensure graft patency.
- Lifelong management of cardiovascular risk factors like smoking cessation and cholesterol control.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for basic activities; 2-3 months for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering popliteal aneurysm in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for popliteal aneurysm in Turkey include Liv Hospital Ankara, Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi, Medical Park Florya, Medical Park Bahçelievler, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform popliteal aneurysm. MediFyr helps you compare vascular surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for popliteal aneurysm compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Popliteal Aneurysm in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated vascular surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing popliteal aneurysm.
Sneha Verma, a 68-year-old retired school...
Sneha Verma, a 68-year-old retired school principal, had always been active, managing her small garden and walking daily. Over several months, she noticed a persistent, dull ache behind her right knee, which she initially dismissed as arthritis. The discomfort worsened, and she began experiencing a cold sensation and numbness in her lower leg and foot. During a routine check-up, her primary care physician felt a pulsating mass behind her knee. A subsequent ultrasound confirmed a 3.5 cm popliteal aneurysm. The vascular surgeon, Dr. Kapoor, explained the serious risk of blood clots or rupture, recommending urgent endovascular stent graft repair to bypass the weakened artery section. Sneha was terrified; the thought of surgery on her leg, her source of independence, filled her with dread. The minimally invasive procedure went smoothly. Post-surgery, she spent one night in the hospital, managing pain with medication. Recovery required wearing a compression stocking and avoiding heavy lifting for six weeks, but she was walking with minimal pain within days. After three months, a follow-up scan showed the stent was functioning perfectly. The constant fear of a clot breaking free was gone. Sneha felt a profound sense of relief and gratitude, returning to her garden with renewed vigor, though now more mindful of her vascular health.