RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Most screening and opportunistically detected abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are small and kept under surveillance for several years before preventive surgery. Living with the diagnosis of an AAA may have an influence on the patient's life. Thus, it is important to study patients' experiences so that the screening process and follow up care are adapted to the patient's needs. The aim was to review systematically review the current knowledge of the effect on health related quality of life (HRQoL) and patients' experiences of living with an AAA while under surveillance. METHODS: A systematic literature review of quantitative and qualitative studies, which were quality assessed according to the GRADE system, was carried out. Pubmed, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE were searched. Narrative synthesis and meta-analysis were performed and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. RESULTS: Synthesis and meta-analyses of studies based on the Short Form-36 demonstrated that patients with an AAA consistently rated their general health (GH) lower than controls and conveyed no significant negative impact for patients with an AAA when assessed at follow up and compared with pre-screening. Synthesis and meta-analyses of HRQoL estimates encompassing mental health, anxiety, and depression demonstrated no significant differences for patients with AAA compared with controls, or within the AAA group. Qualitative studies revealed that patients with an AAA felt safe being under surveillance, and receiving a diagnosis of AAA set thoughts and feelings in motion regarding health, ageing, and mortality. Patients' lack of knowledge about the disease, its progression, and future planning can cause insecurity and worries. CONCLUSION: The current evidence does not support a negative impact on HRQoL from being under surveillance for an AAA. Qualitative data indicate that adequate patient information and professional care have the potential to reduce unnecessary worries and concerns in patients with an AAA.