Polish Translation and Linguistic Validation of the SCAR-Q.

Introduction Patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs) are gaining considerable popularity as tools to assess the effectiveness of the treatment in plastic surgery, being a complement to surgical outcomes. The SCAR-Q questionnaire has been recently developed for patients with surgical, traumatic, and burn scars. Aim The study aims to describe the process of translation and linguistic validation of the scar questionnaire (SCAR-Q) for use in Polish patients undergoing scar treatment. Material and methods An official Polish translation and language validation of the SCAR-Q were done in adherence to International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) guidelines. The process consisted of four steps: two independent forward translations, a back translation, a review of the back translation, and cognitive participant interviews. Results The field-tested version of the SCAR-Q consisted of 29 items across three scales measuring appearance concerns, symptoms, and the psychosocial impact of the scar. The forward translation was done by two independent translators and revealed specific difficulties in translation to the Polish language (4/29 items). The back translation showed no significant differences compared to the original English version. Cognitive debriefing interviews involved nine Polish patients with postraumatic scars, burn scars, and scars after skin tumor resection. Participants have not reported any major difficulties in understanding the content of the questionnaire. Conclusions The ISPOR provides a straightforward and thorough guideline for the PROMs translation process. The new SCAR-Q is an accessible and efficient PROM that can be implemented in Polish patients to assess the effectiveness of scar treatment.

Internet and Social Media as a Source of Information About Plastic Surgery: Comparison Between Public and Private Sector, A 2-center Study.

BACKGROUND: The popularity of social media among plastic surgeons and patients has increased in the last years. We conducted this study to explore the differences in patients' social media habits between public and private aesthetic plastic surgery practice. METHODS: A 2-cohort study was conducted in aesthetic plastic surgery clinic and public department of plastic and surgery by surveying consecutive first-time patients. RESULTS: Two hundred patients completed a 18-question survey at a private aesthetic plastic surgery clinic. The questionnaire was also filled by 113 patients at a public plastic surgery department. Facebook was the most popular social media platform in both groups. Word of mouth from other patients and the clinic's website were the most-valued source of information about the surgeon and surgical procedure for patients of both studied groups. Patients from the aesthetic group were mainly women from small towns; they were significantly younger and better educated and used Instagram more frequently than patients from public group. The aesthetic group patients focused significantly more often on the surgeon's credentials and on before and after photographs. They appreciated social media as a source of information for patients significantly more than public group patients who stated that social media were the worst source of information. CONCLUSIONS: Word of mouth from other patients remains the most-valued source of information about plastic surgery. However, proper use of social media and building online image in a professional manner can provide attract more patients to the aesthetic plastic surgery practice.

Female Sexual Function and Sexual Well-being Before and After Breast Reduction: A Pilot Cross-sectional Study and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: Breast reduction is one of the most frequently performed procedures in plastic surgery practice. Patients often undergo this procedure for not only aesthetic but also functional reasons because breast hypertrophy may hinder daily activities because of chronic spinal pain. Breast reduction has a documented impact on quality of life. However, there are only a few reports on the influence of breast reduction on sexuality. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of breast reduction on female sexual dysfunction and on sexual well-being. METHODS: Ours was a pilot cross-sectional 2-cohort study, including 75 females who had undergone breast reduction (post-BRG) and a preoperative group of 27 females with breast hypertrophy awaiting surgery (pre-BRG). Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Sexual Quality of Life-Female, and BREAST-Q Reduction/Mastopexy module were assessed within 12 to 36 months postoperatively via e-mail. A review of literature was performed. RESULTS: The mean total Sexual Quality of Life-Female score was significantly higher in the post-BRG than in the pre-BRG (76.7 ± 11.6 vs 64.4 ± 13.7; P < 0.01). The mean total FSFI score in the pre-BRG was 21 ± 11.4. It was below the FSFI cutoff score for female sexual dysfunction (≤26). In the post-BRG, the total FSFI score was significantly higher (27.4 ± 9.1; P < 0.01). The outcome of the sexual well-being domain of BREAST-Q was significantly higher in the post-BRG (72 ± 14 vs 39.3 ± 14.5; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Breast reduction procedure has a positive impact on female sexual function, sexual quality of life, and sexual well-being.

Cross-sectional study of male sexual function in bariatric patients.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is associated with numerous comorbidities and affects various aspects of life, including sexual functioning. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obese people. Male sexual function after bariatric surgery is not well known. AIM: To compare male sexual function and sexual quality of life after surgical weight loss with controls seeking bariatric surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: International Index of Erectile Function and Sexual Quality of Life-Male (SQoL-M) questionnaires were administered by e-mail to 152 men who had undergone weight-loss surgery. The control group consisted of 44 obese men who completed the questionnaires during their preoperative evaluation. RESULTS: Fifty-six percent of men in the control group and 20% of men in the postoperative group reported erectile dysfunction (ED) (OR = 5.1; 95% CI: 1.6-16.0, p = 0.005). The median (Q1, Q3) total International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score did not show a significant difference between the control (62.0 (37.5, 66.5)) and postoperative groups (67.0 (57.0, 70.0)). However, median scores in domains of erectile function (EF), sexual desire (SD), and overall satisfaction (OS) were significantly higher in the postoperative group. The median SQoL-M was significantly higher (81.8 (51.5, 89.4) vs. 88.6 (84.8, 90.9); p < 0.05) in the postoperative group. CONCLUSIONS: A lower prevalence of erectile dysfunction and better sexual quality of life were observed in the patients after surgical weight loss. The improvement in male sexual function may be considered as an advantage of bariatric surgery.