Different sling procedures for stress urinary incontinence: A lesson from 453 patients

Several midurethral sling (MUS) procedures, such as tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), TVT obturator (TVT-O), tension-free vaginal tape SECUR (TVT-S), and pubovaginal sling (PVS), have been used for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI); however, which method is best for a particular patient group is not known. This study aimed to identify the best rationale for choosing the optimal MUS procedure for each patient. In total, 453 consecutive female patients with SUI who were treated with MUSs in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from September 2003 to September 2011 were enrolled in this study. All the patients underwent comprehensive pre-, intra-, and postoperative evaluations, including collection of demographic information, pelvic examination, and urodynamic testing, and operation-related complications were recorded. The Incontinence Quality of Life questionnaire was also completed. Under local or general anesthesia, 105 cases were treated with TVT, 243 with TVT-O, 90 with TVT-S, and 15 with PVS. Patients with different profiles in terms of age, symptom duration, concomitant procedures, urodynamic parameters, and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) quantification score were treated successfully; the body mass index did not differ significantly among the various treatment options. The cure and improvement rates were similar among the treatment groups: 97.14% (102/105) in TVT, 100% (243/243) in TVT-O, 98.89% (89/90) in TVT-S, and 100% (15/15) in PVS. Only minor complications were experienced by the patients. In conclusion, each MUS procedure was observed to be safe and effective in different subpopulations of patients, and the results suggest that appropriate patient selection is crucial for the success of each MUS procedure.     

Factors Predicting Patient Dissatisfaction 2 Years After Discectomy for Lumbar Disc Herniation in a Chinese Older Cohort: A Prospective Study of 843 Cases at a Single Institution

We aim to identify factors predicting patient dissatisfaction 2 years after discectomy for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in a Chinese older cohort.Preoperative and 2-year follow-up data for 843 patients were analyzed. After 2 years of discectomy, the patients rated their satisfaction by Patient Satisfaction Index (PSI), with response of 1 or 2 defining satisfaction and a PSI response of 3 or 4 defining dissatisfaction. Associations between perioperative variables and satisfaction with the results of surgery were examined in univariate and multivariate analysis.Six hundred fifty-seven patients had a PSI of 1 or 2 and were enrolled as satisfied group, 186 patients had a PSI of 3 or 4 and were enrolled as dissatisfied group. At baseline, no significant differences were found between the 2 groups in age, occupation, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS)-leg, and VAS-back. Compared to satisfied group, dissatisfied group had a significantly higher BMI and a higher incidence of depression. Two years after discectomy, no significant differences were found between the 2 groups in decrease of ODI, decrease of VAS-back, decrease of VAS-leg, surgery complications. Compared to satisfied group, dissatisfied group experienced higher incidence of symptom recurrence and depression. Logistic regression analysis showed that obesity, pre- and postoperative depression, symptom recurrence were independently associated with patient dissatisfaction 2 years after discectomy.In conclusion, more than 70% patients expressed satisfaction with discectomy for LDH. Two factors could predict patient dissatisfaction and be assessed before surgery: obesity and preoperative depression. Symptom recurrence and postoperative depression are also associated with diminished patient satisfaction.     

The outcomes among patients presenting in primary care with a physical symptom at 5 years

BACKGROUND: Symptoms are common and often remain medically unexplained. OBJECTIVE: To assess 5-year symptom outcomes, determine how often symptoms remain unexplained and assess their relationship with mental disorders. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred consecutive patients presenting to a medicine clinic with physical symptoms. MEASUREMENTS PREVISIT: Mental disorders, symptom characteristics, stress, expectations, illness worry, and functional status. Postvisit (immediately, 2 weeks, 3 months, 5 years): unmet expectations, satisfaction, symptom outcome, functional status, and stress. RESULTS: While most subjects (81%) experienced symptom improvement by 5 years, resolution rates were lower (56%), with 35% of symptoms remained medically unexplained. Most patients with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) did not have a mental disorder. Mood or anxiety disorders were not associated with MUS (relative risks [RR]: 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79 to 1.13), or with lower rates of symptom improvement (RR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.60 to 2.2). In contrast, most patients with somatoform disorders had MUS and were unlikely to improve. Worse functioning (RR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91 to 0.99), longer duration of symptom at presentation (RR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.87), illness worry at presentation (RR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.89), or lack of resolution by 3 months (RR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.86) reduced the likelihood of symptom improvement at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of patients presenting with a physical symptom resolve by 5 years, while a third remain medically unexplained. Most patients whose symptom remained unexplained had no mental disorder. While mood and anxiety disorders were not associated with MUS or worse outcomes, most patients with somatoform disorders had MUS and were unlikely to improve.     

Prospective Study Comparing the Suprapubic Arc (Sparc) Procedure and the Transobturator (Monarc) Procedure for Treating Female Stress Urinary Incontinence

Objectives: In a comparative trial we evaluated the efficacy and safety of the suprapubic arch (Sparc) and transobturator (Monarc) procedures for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods: Between November 2003 and May 2004, 46 women with SUI who underwent the Sparc procedure and 42 women who underwent the Monarc procedure were analyzed. The preoperative evaluation included history taking, physical examination, voiding diary, stress and 1‐h pad tests and a comprehensive urodynamic examination. Postoperative evaluation included a stress test, 1‐h pad test, and uroflowmetry with postvoid residuals. Results: After 1 year of follow up, the rates of cure and satisfaction were 93.5 and 93.0%, respectively, in the Sparc group. The rates of cure and satisfaction were 95.2 and 85.7%, respectively, in the Monarc group. After 2 years of follow up, the rates of cure (93.5 vs 92.9%) and satisfaction (84.8 vs 83.3%) were similar between the two groups. No bladder injury occurred in the Monarc group. Bladder injury occurred in 6.5% (n = 3) of the patients in the Sparc group. Vaginal wall perforation occurred in 4.8% (n = 2) of the patients in the Monarc group (P > 0.05). Late complications included de novo urge symptoms (8.7 vs 11.9%) and voiding dysfunction (10.9 vs 9.5%). Conclusions: The transobturator Monarc procedure appears to be as efficient and safe as the retropubic Sparc procedure for the treatment of SUI.     

Patient satisfaction with medication for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review

BACKGROUND:

Patient satisfaction is increasingly regarded as an important aspect of measuring treatment success in individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

OBJECTIVE:

To review how satisfied patients with GERD are with their medication, and to analyze the usefulness of patient satisfaction as a clinical end point by comparing it with symptom improvement.

METHODS:

Systematic searches of the PubMed and EMBASE databases identified clinical trials and patient surveys published between 1966 and 2009.

RESULTS:

Twelve trials reported that 56% to 100% of patients were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment for GERD. Patient satisfaction levels were higher for PPIs than other GERD medications in two trials. The sample-size-weighted average proportion of patients ‘satisfied’ with their PPI after four weeks of treatment in trials was 93% (95% CI 87% to 99%), with 73% (95% CI 62% to 83%) being ‘very satisfied’. In four surveys, the average proportion of patients ‘satisfied’ with their PPI treatment was 82% (95% CI 73% to 90%) and 62% (95% CI 48% to 75%) were ‘very satisfied’. Seven trials found a positive association between patient satisfaction and symptom improvement, and two surveys between satisfaction and improved health-related quality of life. Three trials found that continuous treatment yielded higher rates of satisfaction than on-demand therapy.

CONCLUSIONS:

More than one-half of patients were satisfied with their PPI medication in trials, and more patients were satisfied with PPIs than other medication types. An association between patient satisfaction and symptom resolution was found, suggesting that patient satisfaction is a useful end point for evaluating GERD treatment success.     

Effect of self-efficacy and physical activity goal achievement on arthritis pain and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective

To examine physical activity and achievement of physical activity goals in relation to self‐reported pain and quality of life among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

At baseline, 271 patients with RA were asked to specify a physical activity goal, and filled in questionnaires assessing physical activity, motivation, and self‐efficacy for physical activity, arthritis pain, and quality of life. Six months later, patients indicated to what extent they had achieved their baseline physical activity goal and completed the same set of questionnaires. These data were used to construct multiple mediation models that placed physical activity and physical activity goal achievement as mediators between self‐efficacy and motivation on one hand, and arthritis pain and quality of life on the other.

Results

A total of 106 patients with RA completed both questionnaires. Self‐efficacy at baseline predicted subsequent level of physical activity and achievement of physical activity goals. Goal achievement had a direct effect upon quality of life outcomes. Bootstrapping confidence intervals revealed indirect effects of self‐efficacy upon arthritis pain and quality of life through goal achievement, but not through physical activity.

Conclusion

Higher levels of self‐efficacy for physical activity increase the likelihood that patients will achieve their physical activity goals. Achievement of physical activity goals seems to be related to lower self‐reported arthritis pain, and higher levels of quality of life. In practice, clinicians can foster self‐efficacy and goal achievement by assisting patients in setting realistic and attainable exercise goals, developing action plans, and by providing feedback on goal progress.     

HIP ARTHROPLASTY: PATIENT SATISFACTION

A total of 1074 patients, the survivors of a multicentre sampleof 1085 who, 9–15 months earlier, had undergone totalhip replacement, were asked to complete a questionnaire abouttheir satisfaction with the outcome of surgery. Of 1027 (96%)who responded, 90% were satisfied, 5% were unsure and 3% weredissatisfied with the result—2% failed to answer the questionabout satisfaction. The highest satisfaction rate was foundamongst patients who had undergone bilateral hip replacement(96%) and those with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (94%).Dissatisfaction was associated with previous surgery to theindex hip and additional surgery following total hip replacement.In all but five of the 98 patients who did not express satisfactionan adequate reason could be found either in the case notes orfrom questionnaire responses. KEY WORDS: Hip arthroplasty, Patient satisfaction     

Satisfaction with heart transplantation

This research investigated patient satisfaction with heart transplantation (HT) 6 months after surgery. The authors explored whether HT patients would make the decision to have HT again and examined medical, psychosocial, and demographic factors associated with satisfaction or dissatisfaction in 257 HT recipients. Nonparametric statistics were used. Satisfaction with HT could be rated from 1 (not satisfied) to 10 (very satisfied). Eighty-seven percent of the patients were highly satisfied with HT 6 months after surgery (ratings of 8-10); 1% rated their satisfaction as low (1-3), and 12% rated it as moderate (4-7). Factors associated with less satisfaction with HT were: more symptom distress, greater disability, more stress, poor coping ability, feeling that the interventions of the HT team were not very helpful, less life satisfaction, and lower quality of life. Ninety-three percent indicated that they either definitely or probably would decide to have HT again; 7% responded "probably not" or "not sure." Factors associated with a negative perception of having another HT were: poor coping ability, less life satisfaction, lower quality of life, being male, and being married.     

Patient satisfaction with healthcare in asthmatics and patients with COPD before and after patient education

Patient satisfaction with general practitioners (GP) and pulmonary outpatient clinics has not been previously compared in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in addition to the effect of patient education on this satisfaction. We randomly allocated 78 asthmatics and 62 patients with COPD after ordinary outpatient management to a control or an intervention group. Intervention consisted of educational group sessions and individual sessions administered by a trained nurse and physiotherapist. A self-management plan was developed. A patient satisfaction questionnaire was answered at baseline and at the 1-year follow-up. Before randomization, a higher proportion of asthmatics were satisfied with the overall handling of their disease by the outpatient clinic (86%) compared with their GPs (72%, P=0.027, chi2-test). Equal and high proportions of patients with COPD were satisfied with both their GPs (85%) and the outpatient clinic (87%) and in general seemed more satisfied with their GP than asthmatics (P=0.064). At the 1 year follow-up, 100% of the educated patients with COPD reported overall satisfaction with GPs compared with 78% in the control group (P=0.023), but not for asthmatics (75 and 78%, respectively, P=0.581). We conclude that before being given education, asthmatics are more satisfied with the pulmonary outpatient clinic than with GPs, regarding the overall handling of their disease. Patients with COPD seemed more satisfied with GPs than asthmatics. For patients with COPD, patient education seemed to improve overall patient satisfaction with GPs, but this was not true for asthmatics. At baseline, overall satisfaction with the outpatient clinic was so beneficial that we had little chance of detecting any improvement.     

Efficacy of Synthetic Suburethral Slings in Female Urinary Stress Incontinence with Overactive Bladder

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of synthetic suburethral slings in female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) patients with overactive bladder (OAB). Methods: From May 2002 to April 2005, a total of 295 women with SUI underwent suburethral sling procedure. Of the 295 women, only those who were followed up for at least 12 months were included in the study, yielding 236 patients. The patients were divided into three groups: pure SUI; SUI with OAB dry; and SUI with OAB wet. Telephone questionnaires by were used to evaluate the postoperative improvement of SUI and storage symptoms. Results: There were significant differences in preoperative symptom score, quality of life (QoL) score, and preoperative voided volume among the three groups. There were no significant differences among the three groups in terms of the cure rate for the stress component (group 1, 88.6%; group 2, 86.2%; group 3, 86.7%; P = 0.943). Eighty percent of group 1 patients improved in frequency, but two patients (2.3%) complained of de novo urgency. In group 2, 81.5 and 82.7% improved in frequency and urgency, respectively, but one patient (1.7%) complained of de novo urge incontinence. In group 3, 76.9 and 84.4% improved in frequency and urge incontinence, respectively. Conclusion: Suburethral slings are simple, safe and highly effective in treating SUI with OAB.     

A nationwide assessment of blood pressure control and the associated factors in Chinese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

A subgroup analysis of the nationwide, cross‐sectional 3B STUDY was performed to understand the current blood pressure (BP) control status and treatment patterns in Chinese diabetes patients as well as to identify factors associated with BP control. The demographic data, anthropometric parameters, and laboratory results were collected from 24 512 type 2 diabetes patients. The BP goal was a systolic BP <130 mm Hg and a diastolic BP <80 mm Hg regardless of a history of hypertension or current antihypertensive treatment. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 59.9% with geographical differences. Among the diabetes patients with hypertension, 76.9% received antihypertensive medicines. Calcium channel blockers (39.3%), angiotensin II receptor antagonists (26.6%), and then β‐blockers (14.0%) or angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (13.6%) were frequently used for BP control. Only 17.5% (n = 2658) of diabetes patients with hypertension reached the recommended target BP. Body mass index <24 kg/m², urban resident, frequent physical activity, good adherence to medication, comorbidity with cardiovascular disease, achieving glycemic goal (HbA1c <7.0%), achieving lipid goal (low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol <2.59 mmol/L) were independent factors that predicted achievement of target BP goal. On the contrary, comorbidity with chronic kidney disease predicted failure to achieve target BP goal. Patients who were treated in a cardiology department or lived in the North were more likely to achieve BP goals. A considerable proportion of diabetic patients failed to achieve guideline‐recommended BP targets. More aggressive efforts should be made to overcome the diverse barriers and facilitate the optimization of diabetes management.     

Quality of life following laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication: Assessing short-term and long-term outcomes

AIM: To investigate the quality of life following lapa-roscopic Nissen fundoplication by assessing short-term and long-term outcomes. METHODS: From 1992 to 2005, 249 patients under-went laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Short-term outcome data including symptom response, side effects of surgery, endoscopy, and patient’s perception of over-all success were collected prospectively. Long-term out-comes were investigated retrospectively in patients witha median follow-up of 10 years by assessment of reflux symptoms, side effects of surgery, durability of antire-flux surgery, need for additional treatment, patient’s perception of success, and quality of life. Antireflux sur-gery was considered a failure based on the following criteria: moderate to severe heartburn or regurgitation; moderate to severe dysphagia reported in combination with heartburn or regurgitation; regular proton pump inhibitor medication use; endoscopic evidence of erosive esophagitis Savary-Miller grade 1-4; pathological 24-h pH monitoring; or necessity to undergo an additional surgery. The main outcome measures were short-and long-term cure rates and quality of life, with patient sat-isfaction as a secondary outcome measure. RESULTS: Conversion from laparoscopy to open sur-gery was necessary in 2.4% of patients. Mortality was zero and the 30-d morbidity was 7.6% (95%CI: 4.7%-11.7%). The median postoperative hospital stay was 2 d [interquartile range (IQR) 2-3 d]. Two hundred and forty-seven patients were interviewed for short-term analysis following endoscopy. Gastro-esophageal reflux disease was cured in 98.4% (95%CI: 95.9%-99.6%) of patients three months after surgery. New-onset dysphagia was encountered postoperatively in 13 patients (6.7%); 95% reported that the outcome was better after antireflux surgery than with preopera-tive medical treatment. One hundred and thirty-nine patients with a median follow-up of 10.2 years (IQR 7.2-11.6 years) were available for a long-term evalu-ation. Cumulative long-term cure rates were 87.7% (81.0%-92     

Bladder Outlet Obstruction After Incontinence Surgery

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is said to effect up to 80 % of all women who complain of some type of urinary leakage. As education about the diagnosis and treatment of SUI becomes more widespread, there is a need for understanding the efficacy and potential complications of the therapies used to treat this condition. It is widely accepted that the gold standard for treatment of SUI is mid-urethral sling (MUS). One significant complication of the MUS procedure is subsequent bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). We review the incidence and etiology of BOO following MUS and hope this document can be used as a guide for identifying patients who may be affected by postsurgical BOO. Additionally, we discuss modalities for achieving a timely and accurate diagnosis and highlight recent evidence regarding the various applications of urodynamic studies, when concerned for BOO. Lastly, various managements of this complication are discussed. This chapter serves as a comprehensive overview of BOO after incontinence procedures, highlighting the recent research contributions, which have enhanced our understanding of this potential complication when treating SUI.     

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment among Malaysian dyslipidemic patients

The aim of the present study was to evaluate Malaysian dyslipidemic patient treatment practices and outcomes. Factors contributing to success in reaching treatment goal were determined. A retrospective review of the records of dyslipidemic patients who attended the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital in 2007 was conducted. All the patients were receiving standard recommended doses of statins. Records were analysed for 890 patients. Patients were divided into three categories: 384 patients (43.1%) had coronary heart disease or coronary heart disease risk equivalents, 216 patients (24.3%) had moderate risk for coronary heart disease and 290 patients (32.6%) had low risk. Statins were the most commonly prescribed drug group (92%), of which atorvastatin was the most commonly prescribed drug (50.6%). The overall success rate for reaching goal was 64.2%. The percentages of patients achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets in the coronary heart disease and coronary heart disease risk equivalents, moderate, and low-risk groups were 50.5, 66.7, and 80.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression showed achievement of therapeutic goal declined with increasing risk group. The baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol value was inversely related to therapeutic goal attainment. An inadequate proportion of dyslipidemic patients achieved the National Cholesterol Education Program therapeutic goals for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, especially those in the coronary heart disease and coronary heart disease risk equivalent group. The achievement of this goal was dependent on baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.     

The relation between expectations and outcomes in surgery for sciatica

OBJECTIVE: To describe the expectations that patients and their physicians have for outcomes after surgical treatment for sciatica and to examine the associations between expectations and outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING/PATIENTS: We recruited 273 patients, from the offices of orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and occupational medicine physicians in Maine, who had diskectomy for sciatica. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients' and physicians' expectations were measured before surgery. Satisfaction with care and changes in symptoms and functional status were measured 12 months after surgery. More patients who expected a shorter recovery tJgie after surgery were "delighted," "pleased," or "mostly satisfied" with their outcomes 12 months after surgery than patients who expected a longer recovery tJgie (odds ratio [OR] 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1, 4.4). Also, more patients who preferred surgery after learning that sciatica could get better without surgery had good symptom scores 12 months after surgery than patients who did not prefer surgery (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.2, 7.0). When physicians predicted a "great deal of Jgiprovement" after surgery, 39% of patients were not satisfied with their outcomes and 25% said their symptoms had not Jgiproved. CONCLUSIONS: More patients with favorable expectations about surgery had good outcomes than patients with unfavorable expectations. Physicians' expectations were overly optJgiistic. Patient expectations appear to be Jgiportant predictors of outcomes, and eliciting them may help physicians identify patients more likely to benefit from diskectomy for sciatica.     

A double-blind,randomized comparison of omeprazole Multiple Unit Pellet System (MUPS) 20 mg,lansoprazole 30 mg and pantoprazole 40 mg in symptomatic reflux oesophagitis followed by 3 months of omeprazole MUPS maintenance treatment: a Dutch multicentre trial

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have proved to be effective in treating reflux oesophagitis. Until now, no study had compared the PPIs omeprazole Multiple Unit Pellet System (MUPS), lansoprazole and pantoprazole in patients with reflux oesophagitis. AIM: To compare omeprazole MUPS 20 mg, lansoprazole 30 mg and pantoprazole 40 mg for treatment effect in symptomatic reflux oesophagitis. METHOD: Patients with grade I-IV symptomatic reflux oesophagitis were randomized to double-blind omeprazole 20 mg once morning, lansoprazole 30 mg o.m. or pantoprazole 40 mg o.m. Patient satisfaction and symptoms were evaluated after 4 and 8 weeks. Patients not satisfied after 8 weeks were treated for another 4 weeks with omeprazole 40 mg MUPS (open). Successful treatment was followed by 3 months' maintenance treatment with omeprazole MUPS 20 mg (patients satisfied after 4 or 8 weeks) or omeprazole MUPS 40 mg (patients satisfied after 12 weeks). RESULTS: On intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis (n = 461) at 4 and 8 weeks, respectively, 84% and 87% (omeprazole MUPS), 78% and 81% (lansoprazole), and 84% and 89% (pantoprazole) were free of heartburn. Equivalence was found between omeprazole MUPS and pantoprazole (heartburn relief), but not with lansoprazole. Patient satisfaction after 4 and 8 weeks, respectively, was 79% and 89% (omeprazole MUPS), 76% and 86% (lansoprazole), and 79% and 91% (pantoprazole). Patient satisfaction was similar in all treatment groups. During maintenance, 87% in the omeprazole MUPS 20 mg group and 81% in the omeprazole MUPS 40 mg group were satisfied after 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Omeprazole MUPS 20 mg and pantoprazole 40 mg have equivalent efficacy in the treatment of reflux oesophagitis. Based on patient satisfaction, omeprazole MUPS 20 mg, lansoprazole 30 mg and pantoprazole 40 mg are equally effective.     

Abdominal pain and patient overall and cosmetic satisfaction one year after cholecystectomy: outcome of a randomized trial comparing laparoscopic and minilaparotomy cholecystectomy

Background: Previous studies with long‐term follow‐up after cholecystectomy have shown that residual abdominal symptoms are common. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and minilaparotomy cholecystectomy (MC) can both give a smoother, early postoperative course than conventional open cholecystectomy (OC). The present study concerns abdominal pain and patient overall and cosmetic satisfaction one year after LC and MC. Methods: In a prospective, single‐blind study, 724 patients were randomly allocated to LC or MC. Patients completed questionnaires including items concerning abdominal pain before and one year after surgery and overall and cosmetic satisfaction one year after surgery. Results: There was no difference in reduction of abdominal pain between LC and MC patients. For four different aspects of abdominal pain, 31%, 24%, 30% and 16% of patients operated with LC reported residual abdominal pain one year after surgery. The corresponding figures for MC were 28%, 20%, 27% and 18% (P values 0.55, 0.32, 0.55 and 0.63, respectively). According to questionnaire answers, there was no significant difference in the cosmetic result and overall patient satisfaction between LC and MC patients. Conclusions: There are no differences between laparoscopic and minilaparotomy cholecystectomy in long‐term outcome regarding abdominal pain and patient overall and cosmetic satisfaction. A large proportion of patients have abdominal pain one year after cholecystectomy. Future studies should include preoperative assessment and indications for cholecystectomy.     

Responsiveness of the Cochin rheumatoid hand disability scale after surgery

OBJECTIVE: To assess the responsiveness of the Cochin functional disability scale for the rheumatoid hand after surgery. METHOD: In a prospective study, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) scheduled for surgery of the wrist and/or fingers were evaluated within 48 h before surgery and at least 6 months after surgery. Clinical outcome measures included duration of morning stiffness, total score for tenderness, total score for swelling, visual analogue scale score for pain in the hands and wrists, a score for overall mobility of the wrist and the fingers, grip and pinch strength, the Hand Functional Index (HFI), the Kapandji index and the Cochin scale. Responsiveness was assessed with the paired t-test, the effect size (ES), the standardized response mean (SRM) and the non-parametric Spearman rank correlation coefficient (r(S)). RESULTS: Fifty patients (42 women) were evaluated twice at an interval of 7.16 +/- 2.10 months (mean +/- s.d.) (range 6-15 months). Thirty-six patients (72%) were very satisfied or satisfied with the results of surgery, seven (14%) were not satisfied or dissatisfied and seven (14%) were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. The Cochin scale score improved at the second visit (P < 0.0001), with SRM and ES values of 0.66 and 0.58 respectively. The correlation of the change in Cochin score with patient overall satisfaction was r(S) = 0.40. Among the impairment measures, grip strength showed the best responsiveness (SRM = - 0.43, ES = - 0.36, correlation with patient overall satisfaction r(S) = 0.46). The change in Kapandji index had the best correlation (r(S) = 0.51) with patient overall satisfaction but its SRM and ES values were low (- 0.19 and - 0.10 respectively). CONCLUSION: The Cochin scale is responsive and appropriate for the assessment of the effects of surgical treatments on disability in RA hands.     

Factors Behind Dialysis Patient Satisfaction: Exploring Their Effects on Overall Satisfaction

We would establish a construct of dialysis patients' satisfaction and identify their contribution to overall satisfaction. We also seek to identify present satisfaction levels of Japanese dialysis patients and some important characteristics of their satisfaction/dissatisfaction. A self‐administered questionnaire for measuring dialysis patient satisfaction was developed, which comprised 32 closed‐ended satisfaction question items that were facet‐specific, three items on overall satisfaction, four items on respondent's health status and quality of life as well as demographic information. Reliability and validity of the questionnaire was verified. A questionnaire‐based survey was conducted between July and September 2013. A total of 807 valid responses (63% of response rate) were collected from dialysis patients in 22 facilities located in most regions of Japan. Seven satisfaction factors were derived with 65% of cumulative variance accounted for by applying principal component analysis to responses to facet‐specific satisfaction items. More than 80% of patients expressed positive overall satisfaction and that they wished to continue dialysis therapy in the current facility (they can change dialysis facilities if they wish to). Dialysis patients' overall satisfaction was formulated significantly by five out of seven satisfaction factors by regression analysis. Japanese dialysis patients expressed their high satisfaction with and strong loyalty to the facility where they currently receive dialysis therapy (i.e., patient loyalty). The more satisfied dialysis patients were with the facility, the stronger loyalty they would like to maintain. The overall satisfaction was critically determined by their satisfaction with clinical environment, equipment, treatment and therapy. In addition, patients' quality of life was highly associated with their overall satisfaction.     

Impact of language barriers on patient satisfaction in an emergency department

OBJECTIVE: To examine patient satisfaction and willingness to return to an emergency department (ED) among non-English speakers. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey and follow-up interviews 10 days after ED visit. SETTING: Five urban teaching hospital EDs in the Northeastern United States. PATIENTS: We surveyed 2,333 patients who presented to the ED with one of six chief complaints. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patient satisfaction, willingness to return to the same ED if emergency care was needed, and patient-reported problems with care were measured. Three hundred fifty-four (15%) of the patients reported English was not their primary language. Using an overall measure of patient satisfaction, only 52% of non-English-speaking patients were satisfied as compared with 71% of English speakers (p < .01). Among non-English speakers, 14% said they would not return to the same ED if they had another problem requiring emergency care as compared with 9.5% of English speakers (p < .05). In multivariate analysis adjusting for hospital site, age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, income, chief complaint, urgency, insurance status, Medicaid status, ED as the patient's principal source of care, and presence of a regular provider of care, non-English speakers were significantly less likely to be satisfied (odds ratio [OR] 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39, 0.90) and significantly less willing to return to the same ED (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.34, 0.95). Non-English speakers also were significantly more likely to report overall problems with care (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.05, 2.74), communication (OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.18, 2.47), and testing (OR 1.77; 95% CI 1.19, 2.64). CONCLUSIONS: Non-English speakers were less satisfied with their care in the ED, less willing to return to the same ED if they had a problem they felt required emergency care, and reported more problems with emergency care. Strategies to improve satisfaction among this group of patients may include appropriate use of professional interpreters and increasing the language concordance between patients and providers.