Evaluating the quality of life among patients undergoing orthognathic surgery using a customized questionnaire: A prospective study

Objectives: A questionnaire, specific to the clinical condition treated is important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Quality of life (QOL) amongst patients undergoing orthognathic surgery using a customized questionnaire encompassing, patients’ perception of facial form and also patient perception of overall quality of care provided during the entire treatment. Material and Methods: This prospective, qualitative, observational study was carried out on 21 patients, who underwent Ortho-surgical management between Jan 2019 and Mar 2020. The Orthognathic QOL questionnaire was customized, Phase I, immediately prior; and Phase II, 6 months after surgery. Appropriate analysis was done to compare Phase I and Phase II, with the level of significance set to P < 0.05. Results: “Aesthetics” was the most frequent reported reason for seeking treatment. The mean pre-/post-treatment difference for oral function was statistically significant. Majority (87%) of patients reported surgical outcomes met their expectations. Results, post-surgery; good hospital care (33.3%), supportive doctors (28.57%) and regular follow up (9.52%). Conclusion: “Patients’ perspective” of treatment, is often neglected, the immense importance of which has been duly reflected in our study. We recommend the use of our questionnaire in a similar, broad based multicentric study with a larger patient base, will aid in improving overall outcome of ortho-surgical interventions.