Body image in preoperative and postoperative lumbar laminectomy patients.

Many patients each year undergo a lumbar laminectomy for removal of a herniated disc. This study was conducted to determine if the patient had a change in body image from the preoperative to postoperative period. Body image was measured using the Body-Cathexis Scale. Twenty-four (24) patients were included in the study. Results indicated that there was a significantly higher difference in the total Body-Cathexis score postoperatively as compared to preoperatively. In addition, there was a significantly higher difference in the patients' ratings of back, knee, posture, energy level and sexual activity in the postoperative period. Further research is needed with a larger sample and over time to see whether these effects hold true.