Prospective evaluation of quality of life after conventional abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery.

Abstract

To evaluate the changes in quality of life following conventional abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Prospective study. Fifty-nine consecutive patients (50 men; nine women) in two surgical centres were investigated preoperatively, and at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. Quality of life was measured using the Short Form 36 (SF 36) questionnaire and the York Quality of Life questionnaire, from which the Rosser index was calculated. Rosser index assessment showed restoration of quality of life to preoperative levels by 3 months, and significant improvement at 6 months. Changes in the SF 36 revealed significant improvement in mental health, and physical role limitation at all times postoperatively. Social function worsened at 6 weeks but improved to preoperative levels by 3 and 6 months after surgery. Quality of life was improved after open aortic aneurysm repair. The time course of recovery shows a predominant improvement between 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively.