title: Patients' perceptions of reconstructive surgery in leprosy.
abstract: Reconstructive surgery has made significant advances in correcting deformities in leprosy. However, several patients seem hesitant and unenthusiastic to take advantage of this facility. A study was therefore carried out at the Leprosy Mission Hospital in Kolkata during 1999, to assess patients' perceptions to reconstructive surgery. Of about 300 patients operated during 1991-1997, 117 were interviewed using a Visual Analogue Scale on their pre-operative expectations and satisfaction after surgery. Nearly 40% had their expectations fully met, another 40% partially, and about 10% perceived benefits more than expected. Less than 5% were not satisfied. Results are presented for surgery on hand, foot and eye among males and females, and the implications for future discussed.
authors.affiliation: Premananda Memorial Hospital, The Leprosy Mission, 259/A, A.P.C. Road Kolkata, West Bengal, 700 006, India. tlmkolkata@vsnl.net
authors.forename: Annamma S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: John
authors.forename: D Vijaya
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: P S S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Rao
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005531:Foot Deformities, Acquired / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006227:Hand Deformities, Acquired / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007918:Leprosy / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*