European journal of vascular and endovascular surgery : the official journal of the European Society for Vascular Surgery
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Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg · Jan 2015
ReviewBeneficial Effects of Pre-operative Exercise Therapy in Patients with an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Systematic Review.
The impact of post-operative complications in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery is substantial, and increases with age and concomitant co-morbidities. This systematic review focuses on the possible effects of pre-operative exercise therapy (PET) in patients with AAA on post-operative complications,aerobic capacity, physical fitness, and recovery. ⋯ PET has beneficial effects on various physical fitness variables of patients with an AAA. Whether this leads to less complications or faster recovery remains unclear. In view of the large impact of post-operative complications, it is valuable to explore the possible benefits of a PET program in AAA surgery.