Assessment of body image perception in patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy.

AIM: Aim of the study was to evaluate body image perception (BIP) in patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN), comparing with open nephrectomy (ON). METHODS: LN had been performed on 36 (51%) patients, ON had been applied to 34(49%). At the preoperative and postoperative 3rd month, body dysmorphic disorder scale (BDDS) has been applied to patients in order to measure body image change. BDDS has been filled by posing questions to patient. RESULTS: The BDDS score in the postoperative period in patients in whom LN was performed has been higher in proportion to the preoperative period, and BIP has been bad (BDDS score=19.66 ± 6.08 and 15.22 ± 4.78, P=0.00, respectively). The mean BDDS points of patients in the group of ON at the preoperative and postoperative 3rd month have been 16.50 ± 7.04 and 24.23 ± 7.32, respectively. In the group of ON, BIP has been impairing in the post-operative period (P=0.000). There has been no statistically significant difference between LN and ON groups in terms of the pre-operative mean BDDS score (P=0.78). However, the mean BDDS score has been significantly lower in LN group at the postoperative 3rd month, and BIP has been better (P=0.01). A significant negative correlation has been detected between age and body image (P=0.001, r=-0.388). CONCLUSION: Although incisions in LN are smaller, BIP is impairing in the post-operative period. However, when compared to open surgery, BIP has been determined to be better. A significant correlation has been present between age and body image. LN is a more trustworthy surgical method particularly in young patients in terms of BIP too.

Psychosocial aspects of systemic sclerosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In 2010, an international consortium of researchers published a consensus agenda for research on psychosocial aspects of systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). The present review summarizes recent research on SSc-related depression and anxiety, fatigue and sleep, pain, pruritus, body image distress, sexual function, work disability, healthcare needs, psychosocial interventions, and psychoneuroimmunology. RECENT FINDINGS: Researchers have used structured interviews to establish prevalence rates for clinical mood disorders in SSc, although anxiety remains understudied and distress may be a useful outcome to consider. Longitudinal research has identified predictors of fatigue. Research on body image distress suggests the importance of changes in the facial skin and hands. Studies have identified sexual function problems in women and men with SSc. A prospective study found that breathing problems and fatigue predicted workplace disability. A randomized controlled trial evaluating multidisciplinary care showed benefits for health-related quality of life. SUMMARY: There has been a recent expansion in studies of psychosocial aspects of SSc, and in the validation of psychosocial measures that can be used in clinics to identify problems and track outcomes; however, prospective studies remain scarce. To better address the psychosocial needs of persons with SSc, interventions need to be developed and tested via randomized controlled trials with power to detect clinically meaningful changes.