Surgical management of ascending aortic disease.

Two cases of aortic pathology have been presented--namely, ascending aortic aneurysm and ascending aortic dissection. These entities are distinct, but can be superimposed. Surgical resection is the procedure of choice for both these entities, in contradistinction to descending aortic dissections. Although dealing with these entities can indeed be a humbling experience, lifesaving treatment can be delivered by a combination of a high index of suspicion, early diagnosis, and prompt surgical therapy.