Systematic review of quality of life following laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery

Objective To compare the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients following laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery. Method A systematic review was performed according to Quorum guidelines. Prospective studies comparing the HRQoL of patients after laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery were identified. The primary outcome measure was postoperative quality of life; performance status and cosmesis were secondary outcome measures. Results Twenty‐three studies were identified that satisfied the inclusion criteria; 18 assessed HRQoL, four performance status, and three cosmesis. It was not possible to perform a meta‐analysis due to study heterogeneity. The studies reported outcomes for 2946 patients. The most frequent HRQoL instruments employed were Short Form 36, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, and gastrointestinal quality of life index. Six studies, using a total of 12 separate measures, evaluated QoL during the first three postoperative months: 10 of these measures showed no significant difference, and two showed an improved HRQoL with laparoscopy. Twelve further studies evaluated HRQoL up to 5 years postoperatively: nine showed no difference between the two groups, and three demonstrated a benefit for laparoscopy. Three of four studies assessing performance status on discharge, and all three studies assessing cosmesis, reported benefits with the laparoscopic approach. Conclusions The current evidence suggests there is no significant difference in HRQoL following laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery, although there is a lack of good quality data. There is a trend towards improved quality of life outcomes and performance status with laparoscopy in the early postoperative period. There is a need for further research, particularly assessing quality of life in the early postoperative period.     

Indications for laparoscopic surgery for Crohn''s disease using the Vienna Classification

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcome of laparoscopic surgery for Crohn's disease and clarify the indications using the Vienna Classification. METHOD: Between September 1994 and July 2004, 107 patients with Crohn's disease underwent 124 procedures. Of these, 91 laparoscopic procedures formed the basis of this study. The Vienna Classification, which consists of three subgroups - age at diagnosis (A1-2), location (L1-4) and behaviour (B1-3) - was applied to compare the conversion to open surgery and incidence of postoperative complications. RESULTS: Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 12 (13.2%) patients. Major and minor postoperative complications occurred in five (5.5%) and 13 (19.8%) patients respectively. The conversion rate, major and total complications in the B3L3/4 subgroup were significantly greater than in the other subgroups. Multivariate analysis showed that B3L3/4 was the only predictive factor for all complications. However, the incidence of major and all complications in the B3L3/4 subgroup did not differ between the open and laparoscopic surgery groups. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery for Crohn's disease is the procedure of choice for all uncomplicated cases (B2L1-4, B3L1/2). For patients in the complicated group (B3L3/4), laparoscopy is also feasible and justified; however, the surgeon must be aware of the propensity for higher rate of conversion.     

Crohn''s disease: systematic review of assessment of disease severity and its relevance to surgery

BACKGROUND: The aims of treatments for Crohn's disease are symptom control by medical or surgical means and improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQOL). A wide number of classification systems, instruments of disease activity measurement (DAM) and HRQOL are available, but few are used in routine surgical practice. OBJECTIVE: To review the validity of DAM and HRQOL instruments and their applicability to surgically treated patients. METHOD: A systematic literature search was undertaken to identify these instruments. Qualifying articles were used to determine the construct, content and criterion validity of the instruments identified with respect to surgically treated patients. RESULTS: Thirteen disease activity indices and 11 HRQOL assessment tools were identified. Construct validity was demonstrated throughout but concerns of content and criterion validity were noted. CONCLUSION: None of the current disease activity or HRQOL tools can be used without potential bias in a trial of surgical vs medical therapy as the items included favour the outcomes experienced following medical therapy. A more balanced assessment tool in the setting of a multidisciplinary trial is needed.     

Health-related quality of life after osteoporotic fractures

Objective: To estimate the impact of osteoporosis fractures on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in postmenopausal women. Methods: To compare the impact on HRQOL of different osteoporotic fractures, 600 consecutive women 55–75 years old with a new fracture (inclusion fracture) were invited by mail. After exclusions by preset criteria (high-energy fractures, ongoing osteoporosis treatment, or unwillingness to participate), 303 women were included, 171 (56%) of whom had a forearm, 37 (12%) proximal humerus, 40 (13%) hip, and 55 (18%) vertebral fracture, respectively, and all were investigated and treated according to the current local consensus program for osteoporosis. In addition, HRQOL was evaluated by the SF-36 questionnaire and compared with local, age-matched reference material. Examinations were performed 82 days (median) after the fracture and 2 years later. Results: HRQOL was significantly reduced at baseline regarding all SF-36 domains after vertebral fractures and most after hip fractures, but only regarding some domains after forearm and humerus fracture. After 2 years, improvements had occurred after all types of fractures, and after forearm or humerus fracture, HRQOL was completely normalized in all domains. However, 2 years after hip fracture, HRQOL was still below normal regarding physical function, role-physical and social function, while after vertebral fracture, scores were still significantly lower for all domains, physical as well as mental. Patients with one or more previous fractures before the inclusion fracture had lower HRQOL at baseline and after 2 years, compared with those with no previous fracture. Patients with osteoporosis (T-score <–2.5 in hip or spine) had lower HRQOL than those with normal BMD. Conclusion: Vertebral and hip fractures have a considerably greater and more prolonged impact on HRQOL than forearm and humerus fractures. The number of fractures was inversely correlated to HRQOL. These differences should be taken into account when making priorities in health care programs.     

Long-term outcome and health-related quality of life after laparoscopic and open colectomy for benign disease

Background: The benefits of laparoscopic colectomy (LC) vs open colectomy (OC) for the treatment of benign disease have not yet been clearly demonstrated with regard to long-term consequences and health-related quality of life (HRQL). The aim of this study was to compare LC and OC in terms of outcome and HRQL and to determine whether a generic nonspecific instrument for HRQL assessment is valid in postoperative follow-up. Methods: Forty-nine patients who underwent LC for elective right hemicolectomy (RH) or sigmoid resection (SR) for benign polyps or uncomplicated diverticular disease between 1992 and 2000 were evaluated and compared to 50 controls treated by OC in the same period. All patients were evaluated by postal questionnaire to determine recurrence rates and surgery-related complications. HRQL was assessed by the SF-36 Physical and Mental Component Summary Score (PCS, MCS) and by the SF-36 Health Survey, which measures eight different health-quality domains, including physical and social functioning (PF, SF), general health perception (GH), physical and emotional role limitations (RP, RE), body pain (BP), vitality (VT), and mental health (MH). Results: The LC and OC patients were similar in age, gender, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and diagnosis. There were significant differences between the two groups in resection type (26 RH:23 SR in LC vs 16 RH:34 SR in OC, p = 0.03) and length of follow-up (median, 39 and 53.5 months, respectively, p = 0.04), but neither parameter was predictive of the main SF-36 scores (PCS and MCS). There were no differences between the groups in recurrence rates (8% in LC vs 11% in OC) or surgery-related complications, including incisional hernias (16.3% in LC vs 17% in OC) and small bowel obstructions (2% in LC vs 10.4% in OC). None of the eight SF-36 Health Survey domains or the PCS or MCS scores showed significant differences between LC and OC patients in HRQL. However, occurrence of hernia after surgery was predictive of lower SF-36 scores, specifically in PF (p = 0.047), GH (p = 0.045), SF (p = 0.047), MH (p = 0.041), and MCS (p = 0.037). In addition, small bowel obstruction was significantly associated with lower scores in BP (p = 0.008), GH (p = 0.008), SF (p = 0.013), RE (p = 0.026), MH (p = 0.003), and MCS (p = 0.003). Conclusion: LC was not different from OC for selected indications that measure long-term outcome and HRQL. SF-36 appears to be an appropriate instrument to measure postoperative HRQL, showing responsiveness to changes in objective outcome measures. Presented at the annual meeting of the Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), New York, NY, USA, 13–17, March 2002     

Comparison of quality of life following laparoscopic and open prostatectomy for prostate cancer

PURPOSE: We compare the quality of life after laparoscopic prostatectomy to that after standard radical prostatectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The quality of life of 52 and 54 patients who underwent laparoscopic and open radical prostatectomy, respectively, was analyzed using the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Prostate Cancer quality of life questionnaire for general health related quality of life, International Index of Erectile Function 5 for screening erectile dysfunction and International Continence Society MaleSF questionnaire to evaluate urinary status. These questionnaires were given to patients before and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The general health related quality of life survey revealed no significant differences in health before and after laparoscopic and open prostatectomy. However, sexual quality of life was markedly lower after surgery (p <0.01). In addition, the International Index of Erectile Function score was markedly abrogated by surgery (p <0.05) and quality of life due to urinary incontinence was significantly disturbed by surgery (p <0.05). In contrast, quality of life due to voiding dysfunction was impaired before surgery and significantly improved by surgery (p <0.05). Patients were also asked if they would choose the same treatment if suffering from the same disease, with more patients treated laparoscopically choosing the same treatment than those treated with open surgery (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: While general health related quality of life was not impaired, sexual quality of life was diminished by surgery. Patients were generally satisfied with postoperative urinary status. Although patients who underwent laparoscopic prostatectomy expressed a more favorable attitude toward surgery, there was no significant difference in quality of life at 6 months after surgery between the 2 groups.     

Health related quality of life before and after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

PURPOSE: The viability of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) as a surgical treatment for prostate cancer depends on oncological and health related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes. We present a prospective assessment of HRQOL in 122 patients before and after LRP using the validated Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: EPIC data were collected preoperatively, and at 3, 6 and 12 months after LRP, and all were normalized to patient preoperative baseline responses. RESULTS: Using traditional single question responses, 93.4% of patients were continent (0 to 1 pads) at postoperative month 12. Of previously potent men who underwent bilateral nerve sparing 78.9% reported engaging in sexual intercourse within postoperative year 1. However, EPIC domain scores provided a more comprehensive assessment of functional outcomes. For the urinary incontinence subdomain, the majority of functional recovery was achieved by postoperative month 6, reaching a 74% return to baseline on average. In contrast, recovery of the sexual function subdomain continued throughout postoperative year 1 (to a mean of 64%). Recovery of sexual function was not significantly affected by age or preoperative potency status, although the extent of nerve sparing was a significant predictor of outcome (mean recovery to 75% of baseline for bilateral vs 36% for no nerve sparing at 12 months, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Nerve sparing LRP provides satisfactory first year HRQOL outcomes when assessed with a validated instrument. The time course and extent of functional recovery documented in this prospective study may prove useful for patient counseling before LRP.     

冠状动脉旁路移植术后病人生存质量探讨

目的观察研究冠状动脉旁路移植（CABG）术病人术前、术后生存质量（QoL）。方法分为体外循环手术组（ONCAB）和非体外循环手术（OPCAB）组，于手术前1周内、术后3个月和6个月进行西雅图心绞痛调查表（SAQ）和SF-36量表的测评。结果SAQ各项内容评分，术前以心绞痛稳定状态（AS）得分最低，术后各项目有明显好转；SF-36的生理健康内容（PCS）和心理健康内容（MCS）在术后均有不同程度改善；ONCAB和OPCAB两组之间各纬度得分在术后3．6个月比较差异均无统计学意义。结论冠状动脉旁路移植术后病人生活质量提高。ONCAB和OPCAB组生存质量比较差异无统计学意义。     

Fast track open ileo-colic resections for Crohn''s disease

OBJECTIVE: Introduction of multimodal rehabilitation programmes after open colonic surgery for noninflammatory bowel disease has reduced hospital stay to about 2-3 days, but no data are available from open ileo-colic surgery for Crohn's disease with multimodal rehabilitation regimens. Therefore, the aim of study was to assess outcome after ileo-colic resections for Crohn's disease with multimodal rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive ileo-colic resections for Crohn's disease in 29 patients received epidural analgesia and enforced postoperative oral nutrition and mobilization with a scheduled stay of 2 days. RESULTS: Median time to defaecation was 2.5 days and postoperative hospital stay was 3 days. During a 30-day postoperative follow-up there was two re-admissions, one for mechanical bowel obstruction (9 days) and one because of fever and vomiting (6 days). Except for one wound abscess, one cystitis and one pneumonia, no other complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Fast-track multimodal rehabilitation in open ileo-colic resections for Crohn's disease reduces hospital stay and with low morbidity and readmission rate.     

Factors affecting quality of life after pelvic fracture

IntroductionFunctional outcome and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after pelvis fracture is suboptimal; majority of the patients do not return to their preinjury activities. Many researchers reported that late morbidity in pelvis fracture is associated with severity of the fracture, associated trauma, pelvic fracture-related complications and methods of treatment.Material and methodsOne hundred and twelve patients with pelvis fracture who were treated either conservatively (n = 88) or surgically (n = 24) with a minimum of two years follow up were evaluated clinically and radiologically. The clinical outcome was evaluated using Majeed score and self-reported Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA). Their HRQOL was evaluated using the 36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36) and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires. The fracture-displacement in the anterior or posterior pelvis ring was measured from the anteroposterior radiograph or inlet/outlet view.ResultsThe average Majeed score was 76.65 ± 14.73 (range, 36 to 96). There were 81 patients with good to excellent outcomes and 31 patients with poor to fair outcomes. The average SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) score was 47.71 ± 7.88 (range, 27.3 to 61.5) and SF-36 Mental Component Summary (MCS) was 49.20 ± 9.37 (range, 23.1 to 56.8). The functional level of the general population in the physical and mental domain was achieved in 48.23% and 65.3% of pelvic-fractured patients respectively. General population norms were achieved in 56.3%, 63.4%, 65.2% and 84.8% of patients in WHOQOL-BREF domain one, two, three and four respectively. The patients had significantly worse functional outcome and HRQOL if residual displacement was > 1 cm. Age, sex, associated injuries and injury mechanism were not affecting the HRQOL in patients with acceptable residual displacement of ≤ 1 cm.ConclusionPelvic fracture with the residual displacement of ≤ 1 cm in the sacroiliac joint/symphysis pubis result in better functional outcome and HRQOL. Injury mechanism and associated injury have no impact on the HRQOL if the residual displacement is within the acceptable limit.     

Factors affecting quality of life after pelvic fracture

IntroductionFunctional outcome and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after pelvis fracture is suboptimal; majority of the patients do not return to their preinjury activities. Many researchers reported that late morbidity in pelvis fracture is associated with severity of the fracture, associated trauma, pelvic fracture-related complications and methods of treatment.Material and methodsOne hundred and twelve patients with pelvis fracture who were treated either conservatively (n = 88) or surgically (n = 24) with a minimum of two years follow up were evaluated clinically and radiologically. The clinical outcome was evaluated using Majeed score and self-reported Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA). Their HRQOL was evaluated using the 36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36) and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires. The fracture-displacement in the anterior or posterior pelvis ring was measured from the anteroposterior radiograph or inlet/outlet view.ResultsThe average Majeed score was 76.65 ± 14.73 (range, 36 to 96). There were 81 patients with good to excellent outcomes and 31 patients with poor to fair outcomes. The average SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) score was 47.71 ± 7.88 (range, 27.3 to 61.5) and SF-36 Mental Component Summary (MCS) was 49.20 ± 9.37 (range, 23.1 to 56.8). The functional level of the general population in the physical and mental domain was achieved in 48.23% and 65.3% of pelvic-fractured patients respectively. General population norms were achieved in 56.3%, 63.4%, 65.2% and 84.8% of patients in WHOQOL-BREF domain one, two, three and four respectively. The patients had significantly worse functional outcome and HRQOL if residual displacement was > 1 cm. Age, sex, associated injuries and injury mechanism were not affecting the HRQOL in patients with acceptable residual displacement of ≤ 1 cm.ConclusionPelvic fracture with the residual displacement of ≤ 1 cm in the sacroiliac joint/symphysis pubis result in better functional outcome and HRQOL. Injury mechanism and associated injury have no impact on the HRQOL if the residual displacement is within the acceptable limit.     

Health-related quality of life in adults after repair of congenital diaphragmatic defects--a questionnaire study

Background and Aim

Long-term respiratory, gastrointestinal, and vertebral sequelae are common after repair of congenital diaphragmatic defects (CDDs). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of these sequelae on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of adult survivors after CDD repair.

Materials and Methods

A questionnaire, including 36-Item Health Survey Form (SF-36), 36-item Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), 55-item Psychosocial Survey, 9-item survey for Respiratory Symptoms-Related Quality of Life Index, and a symptoms query, was sent to 94 adult survivors of CDD and to 400 healthy control subjects. One SD lower than the age-adjusted national average in the 36-Item Health Survey Form score for physical or mental health was considered as low HRQoL.

Results

Sixty-nine patients with CDD (72%) and 162 (41%) control subjects returned the questionnaire. The initial presentation was critical in less than 10% of patients with CDD. Forty-five patients with diaphragmatic hernia had primary closure; in 1 patient with diaphragmatic hernia, a patch was used. Twenty-four patients had plication of diaphragmatic eventration. The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (20% vs 2%), recurrent intestinal obstruction (7% vs 0%), and recurrent abdominal pain (12% vs 2%) was significantly higher in patients with CDD than in control subjects, whereas no difference in the incidence of respiratory, musculoskeletal, or other health problems not associated with CDD was found. Scores in GIQLI, Psychosocial Survey, and Respiratory Symptoms-Related Quality of Life Index did not differ between patients with CDD and control subjects. Health-related quality of life was low in 17 (25%) of 69 patients with CDD, which exceeded 1.5 times the expected value. There was no correlation between the type or severity of the primary defect and HRQoL at the time of the study.

Conclusion

Most adults with repaired CDD have good or satisfactory HRQoL. Congenital diaphragmatic defect-associated symptoms with or without acquired diseases significantly impair HRQoL in one fourth of the patients.     

Predictors of early quality-of-life improvement after laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery

BACKGROUND: Quality of life is getting more attention in the medical literature. Treatment outcomes are now gauged by their effect on quality of life (QOL), along with their direct effect on diseases they are targeting. Similarly, in obesity, consensus has been reached on the importance of QOL as an independent outcome measure for obesity surgery along with weight loss and comorbidity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of patient demographics and comorbidities on short-term QOL improvement after laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) surgery. METHODS: The change in QOL after LGB was assessed in 171 patients (147 women, 24 men; mean age, 43.1 y) using the Short-Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify patients' demographics and comorbidities predictive of major QOL improvement. RESULTS: Body mass index decreased significantly at 3 months (48.5 +/- 5.8 to 38.4 +/- 5.4 kg/m2; P < .001) with excess weight loss of 37.4% +/- 9.2%. The SF-36 follow-up evaluation showed significant improvement (44.2 +/- 15.7 to 78.6 +/- 15.5; P < .001). A significant inverse correlation was found between QOL (before and after bypass) and the number of comorbidities (r = .29, P = .001; R = .22, P = .005; respectively), but the magnitude of QOL change did not correlate with the number of comorbidities (P = .5). When the entire cohort of patients was dichotomized according to their magnitude of change in SF-36 scores, the univariate analysis showed that the group of patients with no improvement or minor improvement in their SF-36 was characterized by a higher percentage of male sex and a lower prevalence of diabetes. These 2 preoperative factors remained statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. Preoperative diagnosis of type 2 diabetes increased the likelihood of major improvement in QOL after LGB by 6.2 times, whereas being a woman increased this likelihood by 16.1 times. CONCLUSIONS: Significant weight loss was achieved as early as 3 months after LGB, causing substantial improvement in QOL in more than 95% of patients. Women with type 2 diabetes have the highest odds to achieve a major QOL improvement after LGB and therefore they should represent the ideal target population for surgical weight loss programs.     

Randomized trial of health-related quality of life after open and laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer

Background Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported improved or unchanged three-year survival following laparoscopic colon resection (LCR) for colon cancer compared with that following open resection (OCR). The aim of this study was to determine health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients randomized to laparoscopic or open resection for colon cancer. Methods In total, 285 patients (130 LCR, 155 OCR) from seven Swedish centers were included. HRQL was assessed preoperatively and at 2, 4, and 12 weeks postoperatively with the EQ-5D and EORTC QLQ-C30 instruments. Results The LCR patients did significantly better on the social function component of the EORTC QLQ-C30 at two and four weeks and on the role function component at two weeks. Conclusion Laparoscopic resection for colon cancer improved quality of life during the first postoperative month.     

A simple risk score predicts poor quality of life and non-survival at 1 year follow-up in dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QoL) in end-stage renal disease patients has become an important focus of attention in evaluating dialysis. We studied risk factors of poor QoL at 1 year follow-up. METHODS: Of a baseline sample of 80 dialysis patients, we contacted 60 patients who were alive at 1 year follow-up. QoL data were obtained for 46 (76.7%) of these patients. QoL measured with the SF-36 [physical health component score (PCS) and mental health component score (MCS)] at 1 year-follow-up was predicted by means of multivariate regression analysis by data collected at baseline using INTERMED-an observer-rated method to assess biopsychosocial care needs-and several indicators for disease severity and comorbidity. RESULTS: The regression models explained 32% of the variance in PCS and 40% in MCS. INTERMED score (P < 0.01) was the only independent risk factor for low MCS, while for low PCS, diabetic comorbidity (P = 0.02) and age (P = 0.03) were independent risk factors. A simple risk score consisting of INTERMED > or =21, diabetic comorbidity and age > or =65 was significantly correlated with non-survival (P = 0.02) and with PCS (P < 0.01) and MCS (P < 0.01) in surviving patients, although not with hospital admissions during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A simple risk score based on INTERMED, age (> or =65) and comorbid diabetes (yes/no) can be used to detect patients at risk of poor QoL and non-survival at an early stage of treatment.     

腹腔镜直肠癌切除术后生活质量评价

目的评价腹腔镜直肠癌切除术后生活质量情况。方法对我院45例直肠癌切除手术患者进行前瞻性研究,其中腹腔镜手术组23例,传统开腹手术组22例,分别在手术前、术后1个月、6个月和12个月回访填写QLQ-CR38评分量表,比较两组患者的生活质量变化。结果两组患者基本资料和术前评分具有可比性,差异无统计学意义;两组患者在胃肠道症状、化疗副反应、排便问题和造口相关问题评分差异无统计学意义(P0.05),术后1个月腹腔镜组在身体形象、未来期望和体重减轻评分具有优势(P0.05),术后6个月和12个月评分差距缩小。结论腹腔镜直肠癌手术在术后短期生活质量改善具有优势,值得推广。     

Measurement properties of the short form 36 and health-related quality of life after intensive care in Morocco

BACKGROUND: Intensive care patients have a health-related quality of life (HRQL) that differs from the normal population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the measurement properties of the Arabic version of the short form (SF)-36 and study the HRQL determinants in adult patients 3 months after discharge from an intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: A prospective cohort study after ICU discharge. At 3-month follow up, the SF-36 was administered in consultation or by telephone. Multitrait scaling analysis was used to confirm the hypothesized scale structure of the SF-36. Reliability was tested using (i) measuring internal consistency; and (ii) the test-retest reliability assessed using an intraclass correlation coefficient. Construct validity was tested by known-groups comparison using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). RESULTS: A total of 145 survivors answered the SF-36. Item internal convergency was higher than 0.40 (0.77-0.99; 100% scaling success) and item discriminant validity was perfect (100% scaling success) except for physical functioning (81% scaling success). Cronbach's alpha exceeded 0.70 in all eight scales (0.84-0.99). Test-retest reliability conducted in 73 patients was above 0.80. Acceptability to patients appeared reasonable although considerable interview time was required to administer the SF-36. Construct validity was confirmed by lower scores being reported by women, older age and a high level of comorbidities groups. When adjusted for background data, ICU variables were not associated with the SF-36 scores. CONCLUSIONS: The Arabic version of the SF-36 appears to be a robust tool in ICU. Background variables are the only significant determinants of HRQL 3 months after medical ICU discharge.     

Health-related quality of life after hip replacement

Abstract Total hip replacement is widely known to be effective in the management of pain and functional status. Instead, less is known regarding patients perspective through the measurement of health-related quality of life. A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate patient-relevant outcomes in a homogeneous sample of patients who underwent total hip replacement. Long-term results were evaluated through a self-administered questionnaire and clinical examination. We were able to re-contact 84.8% of patients at the follow-up, at an average of 7.35 years. The results confirm the value of the treatment of hip arthritis, demonstrating the impact of hip replacement on physical function and pain and consequently on the improvement of quality of life.     

Laparoscopic nephropexy: Treatment outcome and quality of life

BACKGROUND: The recent introduction of laparoscopic procedures has markedly altered urological surgery. Laparoscopic nephropexy has attracted the attention of urologists as a treatment for nephroptosis. Herein, we describe our experiences and quality-of-life outcome of laparoscopic nephropexy and discuss its indications and surgical techniques. METHODS: From May 1998 to February 2002, six female patients, ranging in age from 20 to 64 years (median age 39.8 years), with symptomatic nephroptosis underwent laparoscopic nephropexy. Mean preoperative downward kidney displacement was 2.25 vertebral bodies (range 2-2.5) and all affected kidneys were tilted at orthostasis. One patient underwent nephropexy through the transperitoneal approach and the remaining patients underwent nephropexy through the retroperitoneal approach. To evaluate surgical results, postoperative follow-up interview (pain visual analog scale and the short-form 36 (SF-36) health survey questionnaire) and objective examinations were performed. RESULTS: All procedures were accomplished without complication. Postoperative intravenous pyelography correctly confirmed fixed kidney in both supine and erect positions. All patients reported an improvement of symptoms approximately 1 month after nephropexy and no symptoms have recurred during the follow-up period (range 6.3-50.7 months). On the SF-36, two domains, including role limitations due to emotional problems (RE) and mental health (MH), exhibited significant improvement postoperatively (P = 0.0405 and P = 0.0351, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic, in particular retroperitoneoscopic, nephropexy yields excellent outcomes and greatly improves general health-related quality of life, particularly mental status, as a minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic nephroptosis.