Outcomes of ptosis surgery assessed using a patient-reported outcome measure: an exploration of time effects.

AIMS

To explore effects of time following ptosis surgery on patient-reported quality-of-life outcomes.

METHODS

The Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), a validated, postinterventional questionnaire was administered to consecutive adults undergoing ptosis surgery on the operating list of one surgeon over a 30-month period. Patients who were not contactable or unable to provide answers were excluded. Mean scores of patients grouped by time since surgery were compared (unpaired t test and Westlake intervals to test equivalence).

RESULTS

Of 63 consecutive patients, 50 (79%) were included. Mean age was 63 years. Mean time since surgery was 561 days (range 21-973). There was no significant difference in mean total scores of patients assessed less than 18 months since surgery compared with those assessed later (p=0.544). Distributions of total scores were similar. No significant differences were found for subscores or when patients were divided into three groups according to time after surgery. Multivariate logistic regression revealed no significant effect of time since surgery. Trends were seen with regard to age and type of operation, but did not reach significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-perceived benefit following ptosis surgery shows stability with time, as assessed using the GBI. Future studies could explore correlations with age and type of surgery.