Examing Health Related Quality of Life in Spinal Cord Injury Patients Utilizing Mitrofanoff Catheterization

Examining Health Related Quality of Life in Spinal Cord Injury Patients Utilizing Mitrofanoff Catheterization

Purpose of the Study:

1. To determine the quality of life from the patients perspective in those who have elected the Mitrofanoff procedure.

2. To describe which demographic factors and SCI related factors positively influence quality of life in those who have elected the Mitrofanoff procedure.

Methodology:

The sample population was identified retrospectively from chart reviews. Thirty four participants , 16 years of age and over, having the Mitrofanoff procedure were interviewed by phone or in person using:

1. A demographic questionnaire and a SCI related questionnaire developed specifically for this study.

2. The English version of the Qualiveen (Quality of Life) Questionnaire specific to feelings and fears related to bladder issues.

Statistics:

Participant demographic information was tabulated and reported as frequencies or means. A qualitative research approach was used to generate exploratory information.

Results:

The quality of life was reported as significantly better in patients undergoing the Mitrofanoff procedure with majority of participants reporting that, given the option, they would again elect having the Mitrofanoff  procedure performed.

There are specific demographic factors ( sex, race, marital status, living situation)and SCI specific factors (level of injury, pre- Mitrofanoff bladder management, bladder issues leading to electing the Mitrofanoff)  influencing the feeling of positive quality of life in the outpatient setting.

Conclusions:

The initial results demonstrate that the Mitrofanoff procedure positively correlates with better quality of life for SCI outpatients, especially with specifically identified demographic and SCI related factors.