Patient preparedness: an important predictor of surgical outcome

Objective The objective of the study was to determine the influence of patient readiness for reconstructive pelvic surgery on surgical outcomes. Study Design After undergoing standardized informed consent, consecutive women planning pelvic surgery completed a questionnaire assessing their knowledge and readiness for surgery pre- and postoperatively. Subjects underwent standardized follow-up 3 months after surgery, including postoperative satisfaction questionnaire and validated condition specific quality of life (QOL) and global improvement scales. All subjects had standardized urogynecologic evaluation pre- and postoperatively. Results The 79 women who completed preparedness questionnaires self-rated their symptom severity as severe (34%), moderate (58%), and mild (8%). Preparedness was associated with postoperative improvement ( P = .003), complete satisfaction ( P = .0005), and improved QOL ( P = .02). Objective measures of cure did not differ by preparedness. Conclusion Readiness for reconstructive pelvic surgery is measurable and associated with patient-perceived surgical outcome. Satisfaction, symptom improvement, and QOL are strongly associated with patients’ expectations and preparedness.