Health-Related Quality of Life and Social Reintegration Indicators Following Reconstructive Surgery: A Prospective...

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Surgical Outcomes
• Quality of Life Research

Background:

• Limited research exists on reconstructive surgery's impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• This study addresses the need to understand reconstructive surgery's effects on quality of life and social integration in resource-limited environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of reconstructive surgery on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and social integration.
• To evaluate surgical outcomes in patients undergoing reconstructive procedures for conditions like postburn contractures, congenital malformations, and trauma.

Main Methods:

• A pre-post cohort study was conducted at Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital in Tanzania.
• Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were used to assess HRQOL and surgical outcomes preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively.
• Included patients underwent reconstructive surgery for postburn contractures (PBC), congenital malformations, and trauma-related conditions.

Main Results:

• 82 patients were included, with 73.2% having PBC; the median age was 3.5 years.
• Significant improvements were observed in patient-reported disabilities (72% to 9%), family life impact (58.8% to 6%), and reductions in social exclusion.
• Perceptions of witchcraft association decreased from 23% to 7.8% postoperatively.

Conclusions:

• Assessing HRQOL using PROMs is feasible and essential for short-term surgical missions.
• Reconstructive surgery effectively restores functionality and enhances quality of life one year post-procedure.
• The study highlights the positive impact of reconstructive surgery on patients' social lives and overall well-being in LMICs.