Conclusion

In conclusion, both treatment modalities were associated with an initial postoperative decline in some SF-36 domains which significantly impaired in the early postoperative period. The EVAR treatment is associated with a less invasive operative procedure, a more favourable perioperative hospital course and a lower postoperative complication rate. However, it resulted in lower general scores in the mid-term than OPEN repair, with a quicker return to preoperative scores in selected domains of the SF-36 beyond 6 months.