Assessment of body image perception in patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy

Aim of the study was to evaluate body image perception (BIP) in patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN), comparing with open nephrectomy (ON).

LN had been performed on 36 (51%) patients, ON had been applied to 34(49%). At the preoperative and postoperative 3rd month, body dysmorphic disorder scale (BDDS) has been applied to patients in order to measure body image change. BDDS has been filled by posing questions to patient.

The BDDS score in the postoperative period in patients in whom LN was performed has been higher in proportion to the preoperative period, and BIP has been bad (BDDS score=19.66 ± 6.08 and 15.22 ± 4.78, P=0.00, respectively). The mean BDDS points of patients in the group of ON at the preoperative and postoperative 3rd month have been 16.50 ± 7.04 and 24.23 ± 7.32, respectively. In the group of ON, BIP has been impairing in the post-operative period (P=0.000). There has been no statistically significant difference between LN and ON groups in terms of the pre-operative mean BDDS score (P=0.78). However, the mean BDDS score has been significantly lower in LN group at the postoperative 3rd month, and BIP has been better (P=0.01). A significant negative correlation has been detected between age and body image (P=0.001, r=-0.388).

Although incisions in LN are smaller, BIP is impairing in the post-operative period. However, when compared to open surgery, BIP has been determined to be better. A significant correlation has been present between age and body image. LN is a more trustworthy surgical method particularly in young patients in terms of BIP too.