Objectives: With increasing age the quality of life seems to get more important for cardiac surgery patients. Unfortunately, little is known about patients expectancy before cardiac surgery. The aim of this prospective study was to identify the expectations of patients regarding quality of life versus lifespan depending on their age assessed by a questionnaire.
Methods: Between October 2015 and July 2016, the data of 519 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery from 6 centers (Halle (Saale), Lübeck, Dresden, Trier, Giessen, Erlangen) were recorded. The questionnaire included the clinical data, the EURO/STS Scores, the patient´s personal living condition, self- rated state of health, and the expectations regarding operative outcome (lifespan versus quality of life).
Results: With increasing age, patients showed a tendency toward preferring a better quality of life. After adjusting to gender and to age groups (up to 59, 60–69, 70–79, above 80), male patients (N = 386) did not change their expectance significantly (chi-square test with Yales corrections, p = 0.854) whereas female patient (N = 133) show a clear change of their expectations with increasing age (chi-square test with Yales corrections, p = 0.027). This is not influenced by the personal living situation or by the self-estimation of their health situation.
Conclusion: First results of the study show that the decision for surgery in older female patients seems to be more driven by quality of life than by longevity. In contrast, male patients decided not age dependent regarding expected postoperative quality of life.
