How to assess patient satisfaction in secondary unilateral cleft lip and palate rhinoplasty?

Abstract

Abstract Background: This study aimed to compare two specific patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to evaluate the satisfaction and impact of secondary rhinoplasty on the quality of life of patients with cleft lip/palate (CL/P) and, determine if they are equivalent. Design:This is a prospective study. Setting: developed in a tertiary public hospital. Patients: We selected patients who answered the ROE and CLEFT-Q questionnaires in pre and 12 months of postoperative surgery. Methods: The questionnaire Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation (ROE) allowed measure qualitative variables and CLEFT-Q was created for evaluation outcomes of appearance, facial function, and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL), however they are not equivalent. Results: Eighteen patients participated in our study with an average old of 21.34±4.60 years. All patients have their scores improved in the ROE and CLEFT-Q questionnaires. The mean ROE pre-operatively score was 22.4±12.2 and postoperatively was 70.37±17.9 (p<0.05). The overall aesthetics concepts for CLEFT-Q pre-operatively score was 30.08±12.1 and the mean score post-operatively was 65.5±17.9 (p<0.05). Conclusions: ROE and CLEFT-Q questionnaires are two useful tools for assessing the outcomes and quality of life after secondary rhinoseptoplasty surgery in CL/P. This surgery significantly improved patient quality of life regarding nose function and appearance. CLEFT-Q does not measure nasal airway function as ROE and for that reason, we suggest that some questions in this area be added to this one, making it complete. The scales used have similar accuracy and can be used to measure the satisfaction of patients with CL/P. Trial Registration: This study was registered on the Brazilian clinical trials website (https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-4wyfw3k), with the number U1111-1299-0385.