BACKGROUND: The aims of this prospective study were to analyse the health-related quality of life (QOL) changes associated with infrainguinal arterial reconstruction for chronic @entity4218 ( @entity4218 ) and to assess the impact of graft patency and limb salvage. METHODS: Fifty-five consecutive @entity1 , 28 @entity1 and 27 @entity1 of median age 71 (range 41-86) years, undergoing infrainguinal arterial reconstruction for @entity4218 , consented to participate in the study. QOL was assessed using the Short Form 36 (SF36) health survey questionnaire, which was completed before and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months following surgery. Graft patency was assessed by duplex imaging at the same postoperative intervals. RESULTS: @entity4218 severely impaired QOL. Cumulative graft patency at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery was 82, 78, 76 and 64 per cent respectively. Reconstruction resulted in significant improvements in the SF36 domains Physical Functioning, @entity158 , Vitality and Social Functioning (P< 0.01). With a patent graft these improvements began soon after surgery and were maintained for the 12 months studied. Following irredeemable graft occlusion, @entity1 who had secondary amputation also described some QOL improvements. CONCLUSION: A patent graft following infrainguinal arterial reconstruction for critical ischaemia results in an immediate and lasting improvement in health-related QOL.

Prospective analysis of quality of life in XXXX following infrainguinal reconstruction for chronic critical ischaemia.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['women', 'patients', 'men'] @entity4218 :: ('MESH:D017880', 'Disease') :: ['CLI', 'critical limb ischaemia'] @entity158 :: ('MESH:D010146', 'Disease') :: ['Pain']
@entity1 :: (9606,Species) :: ['patients']
