[Three-stage operation for multifocal aortic aneurysms--a case report].

A 72-year-old man underwent a three-stage operation for aneurysms of the distal aortic arch, descending thoracic aorta, and infrarenal abdominal aorta. Graft replacement of the abdominal aortic aneurysm was performed as an emergency because of suspicion of impending rupture. Operations for the aneurysms of the thoracic descending aorta and distal aortic arch were performed 2 months and 4 months later, respectively. The patient was well 16 months after discharge from the hospital. This is the first report of the successful three-stage surgical treatment of three isolated aortic aneurysms. The therapeutic principles for multifocal aortic aneurysms remain controversial. The strategy of surgical treatment for multifocal aortic aneurysms is discussed and previous literature is reviewed.