TY - JOUR
T1 - Self-esteem and patients' satisfaction after deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction
AU - Haekens, C.M.
AU - Enajat, M.
AU - Keymeulen, K.B.I.M.
AU - van der Hulst, R.R.W.J.
PY - 2011/1/1
Y1 - 2011/1/1
N2 - The objective of this article is to assess the impact of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction on self-esteem and to analyze the correlation between aesthetic outcome and self-esteem. Global self-esteem was evaluated using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale in 31 patients who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstructions. A study-specific questionnaire and photographic evaluation were used by the patient, the plastic surgeon, and the oncological surgeon to measure satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome. Patients' satisfaction and self-esteem were analyzed for any existing correlation. Overall patients' satisfaction had a mean score of 6.55 (range, 0-10) on the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. A mean score of 32.48 (range, 10-40) was found on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. More than 80% of patients were content with their decision to undergo this procedure and would recommend this to a friend. Surgeons tended to rate the aesthetic outcome better than patients. Patients' satisfaction and self-esteem were found to be positively correlated. Patients are generally content with the outcome of primary DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The favorable aesthetic result of this procedure has a beneficial effect on patients' self-esteem.
AB - The objective of this article is to assess the impact of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction on self-esteem and to analyze the correlation between aesthetic outcome and self-esteem. Global self-esteem was evaluated using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale in 31 patients who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstructions. A study-specific questionnaire and photographic evaluation were used by the patient, the plastic surgeon, and the oncological surgeon to measure satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome. Patients' satisfaction and self-esteem were analyzed for any existing correlation. Overall patients' satisfaction had a mean score of 6.55 (range, 0-10) on the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. A mean score of 32.48 (range, 10-40) was found on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. More than 80% of patients were content with their decision to undergo this procedure and would recommend this to a friend. Surgeons tended to rate the aesthetic outcome better than patients. Patients' satisfaction and self-esteem were found to be positively correlated. Patients are generally content with the outcome of primary DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The favorable aesthetic result of this procedure has a beneficial effect on patients' self-esteem.
U2 - 10.1097/PSN.0b013e318231ad8a
DO - 10.1097/PSN.0b013e318231ad8a
M3 - Article
C2 - 22157606
SN - 0741-5206
VL - 31
SP - 160
EP - 166
JO - Plastic surgical nursing
JF - Plastic surgical nursing
IS - 4
ER -