Quality of Life After Surgery for Secondary Peritonitis
Author Information
Author(s): Boer Kimberly R, van Ruler Oddeke, Reitsma Johannes B, Mahler Cecilia W, Opmeer Brent C, Reuland E Ascelijn, Gooszen Hein G, de Graaf Peter W, Hesselink Eric J, Gerhards Michael F, Steller E Philip, Sprangers Mirjam A, Boermeester Marja A, De Borgie Corianne A, The Dutch Peritonitis Study Group
Primary Institution: Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
How does health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in patients treated for secondary peritonitis compare to that of a healthy population?
Conclusion
Patients with secondary peritonitis report significantly worse health-related quality of life six months after surgery compared to a healthy reference population.
Supporting Evidence
- HR-QoL was significantly worse on all dimensions in peritonitis patients than in a healthy reference population.
- A more complicated course of the disease leading to longer hospitalization times negatively impacted mobility, self-care, and daily activities.
- Every doubling of hospital stay decreased the EQ-VAS by 3.8 points.
Takeaway
This study found that people who had surgery for a serious belly infection feel worse after six months than healthy people do.
Methodology
A prospective cohort study using the EQ-5D and EQ-VAS questionnaires sent to patients six months after surgery.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to the response rate and exclusion criteria.
Limitations
The study may not account for all factors affecting HR-QoL, and the sample may not be representative of all peritonitis patients.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of 63 years, 53% male, with 56% having one or more major comorbidities.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.015
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website