Health-related quality of life and functional recovery one year after emergency abdominal surgery in patients over 75 years: a prospective observational study - Report - MDSpire

Health-related quality of life and functional recovery one year after emergency abdominal surgery in patients over 75 years: a prospective observational study

  • By

  • Elin Kismul Aakre

  • Atle Ulvik

  • Gabriele Leonie Schwarz

  • Bjørn Steinar Olden Nedrebø

  • Elisabeth Skaar

  • Katinka Alme

  • Ib Jammer

  • July 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Long-term Health-Related Quality of Life Post-Emergency Surgery

Overview

This study investigates long-term functional outcomes and health-related quality of life in patients aged 75 and older one year after emergency abdominal surgery.

Background

Emergency abdominal surgery is frequently performed in older patients, yet there is limited data on long-term outcomes that matter to patients, such as quality of life and functional recovery.

Data Highlights

OutcomeResult
Patients discharged alive135/154 (88%)
Patients alive at follow-up106/154 (69%)
Completed questionnaire74/106 (70%)
Returned home71/74 (96%)
Reported mobility problems32/74 (43%)
Mean EQ-5D VAS score68 ± 20

Key Findings

  • Of 154 patients, 135 (88%) were discharged alive from the hospital.
  • At follow-up, 106 (69%) were alive, with 74 (70%) completing the health-related quality of life questionnaire.
  • In the follow-up cohort, 71 (96%) had returned home.
  • 43% reported mobility issues, while 46% experienced pain or discomfort.
  • 73% reported improved or unchanged health status.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider long-term quality of life and functional outcomes in older patients post-surgery.

Conclusion

One year after emergency abdominal surgery, many older patients report satisfactory health-related quality of life and functional outcomes.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers | Health-related quality of life and functional recovery one year after emergency abdominal surgery in patients over 75 years A prospective observational study
  2. Obesity Surgery — Long-Term Quality of Life Assessment a Decade Post-Bariatric Surgery
  3. Techniques in Coloproctology — Cautionary Insights on Functional Monitoring Post-Rectal Cancer Surgery: Findings from a Multicenter Observational Study
  4. Techniques in Coloproctology — Incorporating Multimodal Prehabilitation into Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols for Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials and Cohort Studies
  5. Assessment of Quality of Life in Colorectal Cancer Patients Following Different Surgical Approaches
  6. Emergency Laparotomy Clinical Care Standard
  7. ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification Standards
  8. 2024 AHA/ACC/ACS/ASNC/HRS/SCA/SCCT/SCMR/SVM Guideline for Perioperative Cardiovascular Management
  9. Frailty impacts outcomes for all older adult age groups in emergency laparotomy - ScienceDirect
  10. Comparison of frailty measures in predicting outcomes after emergency general surgery - ScienceDirect
  11. National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA+)
  12. Effectiveness of drug interventions to prevent delirium after surgery for older adults: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
  13. Frontiers | Health-related quality of life and functional recovery one year after emergency abdominal surgery in patients over 75 years A prospective observational study

Original Source(s)

Health-related quality of life and functional recovery one year after emergency abdominal surgery in patients over 75 years: a prospective observational study

  • by Elin Kismul Aakre, Atle Ulvik, Gabriele Leonie Schwarz, Bjørn Steinar Olden Nedrebø, Elisabeth Skaar, Katinka Alme, Ib Jammer

  • July 10, 2026

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