Health-related quality of life in long term-survivors of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair

The purpose was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in long-term survivors of thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair. Between 1983 and 2001, 43 patients underwent thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair. Long-term survivors (13) were investigated. Two were lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 6.2 years. HRQOL was measured by Short Form (SF)-36, constructed of 36 items grouped into eight scales measuring physical functioning, role limitations caused by physical problems, bodily pain, general health perceptions, vitality, social functioning, role limitations caused by emotional problems, and mental health. Additional questions specific for vascular disease were ascribed. The patients' relatives received corresponding questions, responding on behalf of the patients. Patient data scores were compared with a selection of individuals from the general population. The patients' SF-36 scores were generally poorer than that of the healthy population in both physical and mental dimensions. Patients who had a complicated postoperative course generally scored lowest in physical dimensions. Comparing patients' scores with relatives scoring on behalf of the patients showed no statistical differences. According to disease-specific questions, impotence and pain were reported as major long-term postoperative problems. Patients with uncomplicated postoperative courses all reported improved health status (six) compared with the preoperative status, whereas five patients with complicated postoperative courses reported poorer health status. Nine of 11 patients experienced the same or improved HRQOL, and two patients reported reduced HRQOL after surgery. Ten of 11 patients evaluated the operation as successful. Although the sample size in this study is small, those who had postoperative complications or reported a decreased physical function in the years after surgery generally had low scores in almost all dimensions of the SF-36. When disease-specific questions were related to thoracoabdominal aneurysm surgery, most patients reported an acceptable HRQOL.