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

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 critical limb ischaemia (CLI) and to assess the impact of graft patency and limb salvage. Methods Fifty‐five consecutive patients, 28 women and 27 men of median age 71 (range 41–86) years, undergoing infrainguinal arterial reconstruction for CLI, 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 CLI 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, Pain, 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, patients 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. © 1998 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd