Qualitative assessment of patient experiences following sacrectomy.
OBJECTIVE
The primary objective was to investigate patient experiences following sacral resection as a component of curative surgery for advanced rectal cancers, soft tissue and bone sarcomas.


METHODS
Qualitative methods were used to examine the experiences, decision-making, quality of life, and supportive care needs of patients undergoing sacrectomy. Patients were identified from two prospective databases between 1999 and 2007. A semi-structured interview guide was generated and piloted. Patient interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using standard qualitative research methodology. Grounded theory guided the generation of the interview guide and analysis.


RESULTS
Twelve patients were interviewed (6 female, 32-82 years of age). The mean interview time was 34 min. Five themes were identified, including: (1) the life-changing impact of surgery on both patients' and their family's lives, (2) patient satisfaction with immediate care in hospital, (3) significant chronic pain related to sacrectomy, (4) patients' need for additional information regarding long-term recovery, and (5) patients' gratitude to be alive.


CONCLUSIONS
Sacrectomy is a life-changing event for patients and their families. Patients undergoing sacrectomy need further information regarding the long-term consequences of this procedure. This need should be addressed in both preoperative multi-disciplinary consultations and at follow-up visits.
Davidge
K M
KM
Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, The Banting Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. kristen.davidge@utoronto.ca
Eskicioglu
C
C
Lipa
J
J
Ferguson
P
P
Swallow
C J
CJ
Wright
F C
FC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D003657:Decision Making; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D012447:Sacrum / Q000601:surgery*; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000601:surgery; D012944:Social Support; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery