The Influence of Pain: Quality of Life after Pectus excavatum Correction

Wietse P. Zuidema, Alida F. W. van der Steeg, Jan W. A. Oosterhuis, Christien Sleeboom, Stefan M. van der Heide, Elly S. M. de Lange-de Klerk, Hugo A. Heij

Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Department of Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Pediatric Surgical Center of Amsterdam, Emma Children’s Hospital AMC and VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

DOI: 10.4236/ojped.2014.43028                

Abstract

Introduction: The main indication for surgery of thoracic wall deformities (TWD) is psychological due to cosmetic complaints. The assumption is that appearances have a negative effect on self-esteem and quality of life (QoL). Correction should result in improvement. Methods: Prospective trial. QoL was assessed using the CHQ and the WHOQOL-bref. Measurements were taken before surgery (T1) and 6 weeks thereafter (T2). Results: Forty-two patients were included. WHOQOL-bref showed differences between pre-operative and six weeks past surgery on facet body image (p = 0.003). Self-esteem (CHQ) did not show a significant improvement at T2. Concerning the scores on the single step questionnaire (SSQ), 33 patients were “very” to “extremely satisfied” with appearance and increased self-esteem (p < 0.001). Concerning the domain “pain and physical complaints”, CHQ did show a significant change (p < 0.001) with more complaints at T2. Conclusion: Six weeks after surgical correction of a TWD satisfaction with the “new” chest is good; pain seems to be a problem with possible negative influence on self-esteem.

Keywords

Pain, Quality of Life (Qol), Pectus, Chest Wall Deformity

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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