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Quality of life after open descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic repair: A prospective cohort study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective To longitudinally evaluate health-related quality of life following open descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair using validated patient-reported outcome measures. Methods In this prospective single-center cohort study, patients undergoing open descending thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair between 2016 and 2023 were included. Health-related quality of life was assessed preoperatively and at 3, 12, and 24 months postoperatively using the Short Form-12 Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores. Secondary quality of life scores were included as well. Additionally, complete-case analysis and impact of baseline variables were assessed. Longitudinal changes were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Results 128 patients were included. PCS scores (95% confidence interval) decreased from 46.0 (44.1–48.0) preoperatively to 39.7 (37.6–41.7) at three months, with partial recovery to 42.2 (40.2–44.2) at one year and 41.0 (38.1–43.9) at two years (overall p<0.001). MCS scores (95% confidence interval) decreased initially from 47.4 (44.9–49.8) to 44.3 (41.8–46.9) (three months), recovering to 49.2 (46.7–51.7) (one year) and 48.4 (44.6–52.2) (two years) (overall p=0.01). Complete cases analysis showed comparable trajectories. Anxiety decreased and cognitive complaints increased but remained within normal ranges. No baseline variables were independently associated with PCS or MCS score trajectories. Conclusion Open descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair is associated with a sustained reduction in physical health-related quality of life, while mental health-related quality of life recovered. These findings underscore multi-dimensional nature of recovery and the importance of integrating patient-reported outcomes into perioperative care.

Source: JTCVS Open

DOI: 10.1016/j.xjon.2026.102081