Quality of Life Implications as a Consequence of Surgery: Limb Salvage, Primary and Secondary Amputation

[摘要] Purpose. We investigated self-reported quality of life (QoL), body image and daily competence of patients as a consequence oflimb salvage surgery (LSS), primary or secondary amputation, and the views of patients following secondary amputation.Patients. Patients (n=37) had all been treated for osteosarcoma or Ewing's sarcoma in the lower limb.Methods. QoL was measured by questionnaire. A separate interview to determine satisfaction with decision-making wasconducted with those treated for secondary amputation.Results. For the total group, QoL was below that expected from population norms. There were no differences in QoL betweenthose undergoing LSS surgery compared with amputation. However, LSS reported better daily competence and were less likelyto use a walking aid. For the total group, body image and daily competence were associated with better QoL.Discussion. All these patients are at risk of compromised QoL following surgery. Our data are in line with previous worksuggesting outcomes may be better for LSS compared with amputation. Following secondary amputation, most patients (80%)did not regret initial LSS treatment, but felt that the time gained allowed them to come to terms with subsequent surgery.

[学科分类] 肿瘤学