Assessing Health Related Benefit after Reconstruction for Urinary and Fecal Incontinence in Children: A Parental Perspective

Purpose: We sought to evaluate health related benefit in children undergoing surgical reconstruction for urinary and fecal incontinence from a parental perspective.Materials and Methods: A health related benefit instrument was mailed to the parents or guardians of 300 consecutive patients who had undergone reconstruction for urinary and/or fecal incontinence at our institution between 1997 and 2011. We assessed parent reported health related benefit using the validated Glasgow Children’s Benefit Inventory and satisfaction with 6 supplemental questions. One-sample t-tests as well as exploratory univariate and multivariate linear regressions were performed for statistical analysis.Results: Response rate was 40.0% at a mean of 5.5 years (range 0.6 to 13.8) after reconstruction. Spina bifida was the most common primary diagnosis (48 patients, 56.5%). Mean total Glasgow Children’s Benefit Inventory score and subscores for each domain were positive, indicating an improved health related benefit after reconstruc...