Meta-analysis of prospective trials determining the short- and mid-term effect of elective open and endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms on quality of life

Background: Repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is undertaken to prevent rupture. Intervention is by either open repair (OR) or a more minimally invasive endovascular repair (EVAR). Quality‐of‐life (QoL) analysis is an important health outcome and a number of single studies have assessed QoL following OR and EVAR. This was a meta‐analysis of published studies to assess the effect of an intervention on QoL in patients with an AAA. Methods: A systematic literature search was undertaken for studies prospectively reporting QoL analysis in patients with an AAA undergoing elective intervention. A multivariable meta‐analysis model was developed in which the outcomes were mean changes in QoL scores over time, both for all AAA repairs (OR and EVAR) and comparing OR with EVAR. Results: Data were collated from 16 studies (14 OR, 12 EVAR). The results suggested that treating an AAA had an effect on patient‐reported QoL, evident from the statistically significant changes predominantly in domains assessing physical ability and pain. QoL was affected most within the first 3 months after any form of intervention, and was more pronounced following OR. Furthermore, a deterioration in the Physical Component Summary score following an AAA repair (either OR or EVAR) was evident at 12 months after intervention. Conclusion: Treating an AAA deleteriously affects patient‐reported QoL over the first year following intervention. Copyright © 2012 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Reduced QOL for up to a year