Quality Assessment of Online Information on Body Contouring Surgery in Postbariatric Patient

Abstract

Background Nowadays, we have to face the fact that the Web represents one of the most important sources of information for patients. Postbariatric patients in particular are usually very motivated, and they are enthusiastic users of the Web as a source of information on the different types of surgery they could undergo after their weight loss in order to reshape and remodel their body thus regaining physical and functional wellness and dignity. The aim of the study was to assess information on the four most commonly performed postbariatric procedures worldwide, tummy tuck, breast, arm and thigh lift, with the same scale. Methods Google and Yahoo have been probed for the keywords ''Post bariatric Mastopexy OR breast lift'' and ''Post bariatric abdominoplasty OR tummy tuck'' and ''Post bariatric brachioplasty OR arm lift'' and ''post bariatric thigh lift''. The first 50 hits were included, and the quality of information was evaluated with the expanded EQIP scale. Results There was a critical lack of information about qualitative risks and side-effect description, treatment of potential complications, alert signs for the patient and precautions that the patient may take. Moreover, there was poor information about the sequence of the medical procedure, quantitative benefits and risks and quality of life issues after the procedure, and often, there were no other sources of information. Conclusions Due to the poor and not reliable information offered by the Web, health professionals should seek for a good communication practice with their patients.

Is body-contouring surgery a right for massive weight loss patients? A survey through the European Union National Health Systems

“…Patient's healing from obesity is a course of personal transition [15], in which postbariatric surgery represents a fundamental final step [16]. The ultimate goal of bariatric patient's healing should be his/her conversion to a productive member of society, with full restoration of physical and psychological well-being.…”

A Quality Assessment of Online Patient Information Regarding Rhinoplasty

“…This is in line with other studies that have demonstrated poor online patient information in a range of medical specialities. 7,27 Within surgical procedures breast augmentation 10, liposuction 11, and gallstone disease 12 show equally poor-quality levels with median EQIP scores of 15, 16, and 15, respectively.…”

“…• Identification (items [19][20][21][22][23][24], which assesses whether a website displays its production details such as date of issue, authorship/contributions, and bibliography (items 19-24). • Structure (items [25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36], which evaluates the design of the website, including its layout and how well information is conveyed to its audience.…”

“…Unrealistic expectations of surgical outcomes have been well documented in other aesthetic surgical procedures. 10,11,27,31 It is crucial the risks of surgery are communicated to the patient to ensure they can make an informed decision on whether a rhinoplasty is in their best interests. 2 Improved patient education through online resources may help to promote more realistic outcome expectations.…”

Acesso à cirurgia plástica reparadora para pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS)

“…De forma análoga a outros países -Polônia, Espanha, Áustria e Itália -o Brasil oferece procedimentos de contorno corporal de forma gratuita através do SUS 14,16,19,20 . Os critérios de inclusão são similares aos propostos pela Sociedade Americana de Cirurgia Plástica (ASAPS), relacionados principalmente às comorbidades e redundância cutânea, diferente de países como Itália, Noruega e Inglaterra, que colocam o IMC como critério de inclusão 3,20,21 .…”