Marie Veje Knudsen1, Kasper Grosen2, Hans K Pilegaard3, Sussie Laustsen4. 1. Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Centre of Research in Rehabilitation (CORIR), Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital and Aarhus University, Denmark. Electronic address: mariknud@rm.dk. 2. Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. Electronic address: kasper.grosen@rm.dk. 3. Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. Electronic address: pilegaard@dadlnet.dk. 4. Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Centre of Research in Rehabilitation (CORIR), Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital and Aarhus University, Denmark. Electronic address: sussie.laustsen@clin.au.dk.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of surgical correction of pectus carinatum on health-related quality of life and self-esteem. METHODS: Between May 2012 and May 2013, a prospective observational single-center cohort study was conducted on consecutive patients undergoing surgical correction of pectus carinatum at our institution. Patients filled in questionnaires on health-related quality of life and self-esteem before and six months after surgery. RESULTS: Disease-specific health-related quality of life was improved by 33% (95% CI: 23; 44%) according to responses to the Nuss Questionnaire modified for Adults. The improvement for generic mental health-related quality of life was 7% (95% CI: 3; 12%) in responses to the Short Form-36 Questionnaire. The improvement in self-esteem was 9% (95% CI: 2; 17%) as assessed with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. A Single Step Questionnaire supported the improvements in health-related quality of life and self-esteem six months postsurgery. CONCLUSION: This study confirms positive effects of surgical correction of pectus carinatum on health-related quality of life and self-esteem. Patients were to a greater extent self-satisfied about chest appearance following surgery, indicating this to be a step in the right direction toward improved body image, mental health and self-esteem.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of surgical correction of pectus carinatum on health-related quality of life and self-esteem. METHODS: Between May 2012 and May 2013, a prospective observational single-center cohort study was conducted on consecutive patients undergoing surgical correction of pectus carinatum at our institution. Patients filled in questionnaires on health-related quality of life and self-esteem before and six months after surgery. RESULTS: Disease-specific health-related quality of life was improved by 33% (95% CI: 23; 44%) according to responses to the Nuss Questionnaire modified for Adults. The improvement for generic mental health-related quality of life was 7% (95% CI: 3; 12%) in responses to the Short Form-36 Questionnaire. The improvement in self-esteem was 9% (95% CI: 2; 17%) as assessed with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. A Single Step Questionnaire supported the improvements in health-related quality of life and self-esteem six months postsurgery. CONCLUSION: This study confirms positive effects of surgical correction of pectus carinatum on health-related quality of life and self-esteem. Patients were to a greater extent self-satisfied about chest appearance following surgery, indicating this to be a step in the right direction toward improved body image, mental health and self-esteem.