Factors Affecting the Recovery of the Physical Function after Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to examine factors affecting the recovery of the physical function after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Methods and Results: Fifty-eight patients underwent rehabilitation after open AAA repair. Measurements of six minute walk distance (6MWD) were obtained on the preoperative day and postoperative day 14 from April 2004 to March 2011, were included in the present study. The mean patient age was 75.3±6.4 years (53–90 years). Forty-eight of the patients were male (82.8%). The recovery ratio of 6MWD on postoperative day 14 (r6MWD) was calculated and the patients were divided into two groups: ≥90% r6MWD (Group I) and <90% r6MWD (Group D). Age and changes in weight were significantly different between groups I and D. In the logistic regression analysis, age and changes in weight were found to be significant determinants of 6MWD recovery after AAA repair. In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the cut-off point was 72.5 years for age and -1.15 kg for weight change after AAA repair. Conclusions: Among patients who have undergone AAA repair, factors affecting recovery of physical function include age and decreases in weight.