Association of Age and Surgical Technique with the Quality of Life of Male Patients Treated for Abdominal Aorta Aneurysms: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVES. The achievement of a good health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become one of the primary objectives of medical–surgical interventions. The objective of this study is to determine the HRQoL of patients who underwent abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery and to analyse the influence of age on HRQoL. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This is an observational cross-sectional study with 151 male patients who underwent an operation for AAAs between January 2013 and December 2020 in two hospital centres. HRQoL was assessed with the Spanish version of the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), starting in the month following the surgical intervention. Statistical analyses were performed using hypothesis tests and multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 73 years (SD: 7), and the mean interval between surgery and the interview was 37 months (SD: 27). The scores of the Physical Function (p = 0.001), Vitality (p = 0.016), Social Function (p = 0.014), and Mental Health (p = 0.007) dimensions of the SF-36 were significantly lower in the older age groups. In addition, the scores on the Physical Summary Component (p = 0.003) and the Mental Summary Component (p = 0.026) were significantly lower among individuals older than 70 years of age. The HRQoL in patients who underwent operations for AAAs was similar to that reported in the general population of Spain. Patients with an aorto-aortic shunt had better scores on the Physical Function (Beta: 10; p = 0.014) and Mental Health (Beta: 8.12; p = 0.040) dimensions than those who had an aorto-bi-iliac or bifemoral shunt, regardless of the age of the patients at operation. CONCLUSION: Among patients who underwent an operation for an AAA, there was a negative association between the age at operation and scores on the Physical Function, Vitality, Social Function, and Mental Health dimensions of the SF-36. The type of surgical technique influences the evolution of Physical Function and Mental Health scores, regardless of age.

The Long-Term Outcome and Quality of Life after Replacement of the Ascending Aorta

“…Currently, three other studies were presented showing the importance of surveying the QoL after aortic surgery [ 28 , 29 , 30 ]. Barrena-Blázquez et al examined, in a cross-sectional study, the association of age and surgical technique with the QoL of 151 male patients who received treatment for an aneurysm in the abdominal aorta.…”

“…Barrena-Blázquez et al examined, in a cross-sectional study, the association of age and surgical technique with the QoL of 151 male patients who received treatment for an aneurysm in the abdominal aorta. They could show a significant decrease in the SF, VT, MH and PF scores using the SF-36 questionnaire in comparison to older patients, and the type of performed surgical technique on the PF and MH scores [ 28 ]. In our study we did not examine the association of age on the QoL but we could show a decrease in the VT score; the extent of the surgical technique did not influence the QoL outcome in our patients.…”

Quality of Life for Patients Receiving Elective Interventions for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

“…The results of the HRQoL that we obtained provide us with a comprehensive view of the patient and complement the traditional objectives of morbidity and mortality, documenting the benefits of the treatment and possible side effects from their subjective perception. The SF-36 questionnaire was developed for use in the Medical Outcome Study (MOS) from a wide range of questionnaires that included 40 concepts related to health through age, disease and treatment groups [ 15 ]. As a generic tool, the SF-36 questionnaire is appropriate for the evaluation of the results of an intervention aimed at prolonging life expectancy in a patient who may be asymptomatic with respect to the disease, as is the case for many AAA patients [ 16 ].…”