Quality of life in patients undergoing surgical correction of the exstrophy-epispadias complex in childhood.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate health related quality of life (HRQOL), self-esteem and genital self-image, as well as factors related to these outcomes, in patients who underwent surgical correction of the Exstrophy-Epispadias Complex (EEC) during childhood.

METHODS

Data collection was performed online using seven self-administered questionnaires, including 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Cosmetic Procedure Screening Scale for Penile Dysmorphic Disorder (COPS-P) and Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS). The Exstrophy Group (EG) was composed of 34 patients with EEC (20 males, 14 females) and the Control Group (CG) was composed of 27 healthy volunteers (16 males, 11 females). The groups were matched by sex and age. Bivariate analysis and multiple linear regression were used to identify predictors of HRQOL.

RESULTS

The EG patients had lower HRQOL in several SF-36 domains when compared to the CG (p < 0.05). Individuals with EEC also scored worse on the ICIQ, RSES, FSFI, COPS-P, and FGSIS questionnaires compared to the CG. Multiple linear regression identified that the main predictors of worse HRQOL in EEC patients were higher ICIQ and lower RSES scores.

CONCLUSION

The probable impact of urinary incontinence and low self-esteem on HRQOL and mental health highlights the need for specialized and individualized psychosocial care for patients with exstrophy.