Quality of Life of Patients After Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty Due to Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction: A Long-Term Observation

This study aims to define the quality of life (QoL) of patients who had undergone laparoscopic pyeloplasty due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction. The QoL was investigated in 26 patients after pyeloplasty, on average, at a 7.5-year follow-up. The operation was performed in a single center between 2002 and 2009 and its effectiveness was confirmed by diuretic renography. The QoL was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Additionally, we used an own questionnaire, created for this study, specifically assessing the health-related quality of life after pyeloplasty. Overall, 96% of patients were satisfied with the surgical procedure and all would agree to have another pyeloplasty procedure if needed. In one case, dissatisfaction was caused by persisting postoperative pain. All patients but one, dissatisfied due to persisting pain, reported that the postoperative pain intensity was not a problem that would impact the QoL or professional activity. We conclude that laparoscopic pyeloplasty did not adversely affect the patients’ QoL, which might stem from beneficial functional outcomes making the patients satisfied with treatment results.