Outcomes of coronary artery bypass graft surgery

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Authors: Anna Louise Hawkes, Madeleine Nowak, Benjamin Bidstrup, Richard Speare

Published Date March 2006 Volume 2006:2(4) Pages 477 - 484

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/VHRM.S

Anna Louise Hawkes^1,3, Madeleine Nowak¹, Benjamin Bidstrup², Richard Speare¹

¹School of Public Health, Tropical, Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia (³Currently Queensland Cancer Fund); ²John Flynn Hospital, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Abstract: This review article summarizes the major studies that have investigated the outcomes of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). The article includes a review of the literature in the areas of: history of CABG; indications for CABG; and measurement of quality of life following CABG, including prolongation of life, physical functioning (ie, relief from angina and dyspnea, physical activity, as well as complications of surgery and re-hospitalization), psychological functioning, and social functioning. Overall, the literature demonstrates that the outcomes of CABG have historically been measured in terms of mortality and morbidity; however, it has now been well recognized that adjustment to CABG is a multidimensional phenomenon that is not fully explained by medical factors. Therefore, in addition to studying mortality and morbidity outcomes following CABG, many recent studies have identified that it is important to investigate various physical, psychological, and social variables that have a significant impact on post-operative adjustment to CABG.

Keywords: coronary artery bypass graft surgery, outcomes, quality of life, recovery