RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Due to various options for tissue resection and preoperative markings, many different reports on aesthetics and patient's satisfaction exist. To assess differences among tissue resections and risk factors, we herein analyzed satisfaction levels of patients that underwent upper blepharoplasty. METHODS: A retrospective analysis during the period from January 2006 to June 2013 was conducted by reviewing patient's electronic medical files. All patients underwent medically indicated upper blepharoplasty at our department. We classified patients relating to resected tissues; hence the categories created were skin, skin/muscle, skin/muscle/fat and skin/fat. Furthermore, an evaluation of risk factors according to the patient's number of present medical preconditions ranging from 0 (none) to 4 was performed. Data collection was conducted by reviewing patient's electronic medical files. Moreover, a questionnaire concerning patient's satisfaction was forwarded. RESULTS: No significant differences in patient's satisfaction and complication rates comparing the different groups of tissue resection were noted. However, we found a significantly higher complication rate at a presence of 2 risk factors. In addition, a significantly worse scar outcome and longer recovery periods in patients with 4 risk factors were observed. CONCLUSION: The extent of tissue resection has no statistically quantifiable effect on patient's satisfaction ratings and complications. For this reason, we believe cautious resection of muscle and fat is only indicated if pathologies are present. Moreover, patients with 2 risk factors or more shall be rigorously evaluated preoperatively to avoid complicating events.An abbreviated form of this manuscript was presented at the conjoint 52nd and 45th annual meeting of the Austrian and German Society of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, September 11th-13th 2014 in Munich, Germany.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: An increasing number of patients are raising their voices in online forums to exchange health-related information. Facebook is the leading social media platform with more than 1 billion international daily users recorded in the summer of 2015. Facebook has a dynamic audience and is utilized in a number of ways, discussing medical issues being one of them. Ewing sarcoma mainly affects teenagers and young adults. Additionally, many individuals within this age group are regular users of Facebook. However, little is known about the impact of this modern way of communication via Web-based platforms on patients with Ewing sarcoma and their social environment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze and compare Ewing sarcoma patients' and relatives' behavior on Facebook to draw conclusions regarding the impact of Facebook on Ewing sarcoma treatment. METHODS: We examined a Facebook group named "Ewing Sarcoma Awareness" that is used to exchange information for both patients and relatives regarding Ewing sarcoma. A self-designed questionnaire was used to compare patients' and relatives' answers. Additionally, we analyzed all processes (posts, likes, threads, links) in the group for 6 consecutive months. A total of 65 members of the Facebook group (26 patients, 39 relatives) out of 2227 international group members participated in our study. RESULTS: More than 70% (46/65) of all participants reported that they use the group Ewing Sarcoma Awareness as a source of information about Ewing sarcoma. Of the participants, 89% (58/65) agreed on our scale from a little to a lot that being in contact with other affected people through the group makes it easier to handle the diagnosis. In this study, 20% (13/65) of all participants reported that the group affected their choice of treatment and 15% (10/65) of participants were influenced in the selection of their specialist. Regarding the recommendation of the Facebook group toward other people, significant differences (P=.003) were found comparing patients' and relatives' results. During the last 6 months most activities in the group concerned sharing destiny and handling the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The Facebook group Ewing Sarcoma Awareness has a relevant impact on group members regarding their choice of treatment. Moreover, participants turn toward the group to receive mental and emotional support in everyday life. Statements made within the group are in part questionable from a medical point of view and the impact made by these statements on patients' care requires further evaluation.
