International journal of colorectal disease
Waiting time for surgery and health-related quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
By de la Croix H, Åberg H, Fledsberg S and 3 others.
Abstract
Purpose
When surgery is indicated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), timely intervention may reduce the risk of further complications. This study aimed to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in relation to waiting time for IBD surgery.
Methods
This cross-sectional, register-based study assessed HRQoL using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Patients with IBD who had undergone surgery or were awaiting surgery between 2017 and 2023 at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden, were identified and invited to participate.
Results
A total of 214 patients were included in the study (33.6% women, mean age 44.3 ± 16.9 years). Sixty percent had undergone surgery, while the remainder were awaiting surgery. The mean EQ VAS was 64.9, and the lowest scores were observed in patients waiting for surgery for over a year, compared to Swedish age-matched population norms, with a mean EQ VAS of 87.0. Using the Swedish value set, the mean EQ-5D-5L index was higher among patients waiting for surgery < 3 months compared with those waiting 12-24 months (p = 0.017) and > 24 months (p = 0.012). It was also higher among patients waiting 3-6 months compared with those waiting 12-24 months (p = 0.036) and > 24 months (p = 0.032).