title: Patients' perspective of functional outcome after elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: a questionnaire survey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To evaluate patients' awareness, functional outcome, and satisfaction after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair.
  
  
  METHODS
  A study-specific questionnaire was developed with collaboration of a multidisciplinary team. Lists of patients who underwent elective open AAA repair and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) between January 2006 and December 2008 were obtained from the departmental database and cross-checked against hospital database for survival status. Emergency AAA repairs were excluded. Study questionnaires were posted to 138 patients (113 open, 25 EVAR) with self-addressed stamped return envelopes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v16.0.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Response rate was 89% (n = 123; 102 open, 21 EVAR). Seventy-one percent (n = 88) were unaware of this condition before diagnosis. Ninety-seven percent (n = 120) indicated their understanding of the need for surgery. Ninety-two percent (n = 113) stated that the operation was adequately explained to them. Ninety percent (n = 111) reported full recovery after surgery, with 60% (n = 74) recovering within 6 months. Eighty-seven percent (n = 108) were satisfied with the overall experience, and 85% (n = 105) stated that they would recommend the operation to family and/or friends if required.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a lack of awareness regarding AAA in elderly population. However, after being diagnosed, patients understand the implications and are satisfied with the overall results and would recommend AAA repair to family and/or friends if required.
authors.affiliation: Academic Vascular Surgical Unit, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom. junaid.khan@hey.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Junaid A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Fayyaz A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Mazari
authors.forename: M N A
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Abdul Rahman
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mockford
authors.forename: Ian C
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: Chetter
authors.forename: Peter T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: McCollum
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D001364:Awareness; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000523:psychology*; D032882:Comprehension; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D057510:Endovascular Procedures / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom