Utilization of Postpenile Surgery Illustrated Healing Atlas: A Comparative Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Urology
• Surgical Patient Education
• Caregiver Support

Background:

• Postoperative care for pediatric penile surgery requires effective patient and family education.
• Caregiver anxiety and communication frequency are key indicators of postoperative support effectiveness.
• Unplanned emergency room visits can signify unmet postoperative needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of an illustrated healing atlas on caregiver anxiety following penile surgery.
• To assess the influence of the atlas on postoperative communication frequency with the urology team.
• To determine the effect of the atlas on unplanned emergency room returns for wound checks.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study of children undergoing penile surgeries (hypospadias repair, phalloplasty).
• Caregivers were divided into two groups: those who viewed the atlas and those who did not.
• Anxiety levels were measured using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI); communication and ER return rates were tracked.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in caregiver anxiety levels or emergency room return rates were observed between groups.
• Families who viewed the illustrated healing atlas reported significantly fewer postoperative calls and emails (11.1% vs 51.9%).
• Baseline characteristics and demographics were comparable between the 27 families in each group.

Conclusions:

• An illustrated healing atlas effectively reduces postoperative communication burden on healthcare teams.
• The atlas serves as a valuable tool in postoperative support, enhancing family understanding and reducing unnecessary contact.
• While not impacting anxiety or ER visits, the atlas streamlines communication post-penile surgery.