The purpose of this study is to learn more about the personal experiences of patients who are treated with pelvic exenteration surgery. Pelvic exenteration is a surgical procedure in which the pelvic organs including the reproductive organs, bladder and/or rectum are removed. We would like to understand more about the physical, emotional, educational, and sexual needs of patients who are treated with this surgery. We will use what we learn from this study to help find better ways of preparing patients for this type of surgery. This will also allow us to be more helpful to patients' needs after surgery.
Primary Outcome Measures:
- To characterize the extent of physical and psychological stress, and overall quality of life in patients undergoing total, anterior or posterior pelvic exenteration. [ Time Frame: conclusion of study ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
Secondary Outcome Measures:
- To determine how patients ratings of the specific QOL domains predict response to surgery, (ie; QOL, level of stress, function and symptoms). [ Time Frame: conclusion of study ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
Biospecimen Description:
| Estimated Enrollment: |
100 |
| Study Start Date: |
January 2005 |
| Estimated Study Completion Date: |
January 2010 |
| Estimated Primary Completion Date: |
January 2010 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure) |
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1
Patients scheduled for a total, anterior or posterior pelvic exenteration
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Behavioral: questionnaires/interviews
All patients who agree to participate will be interviewed for a baseline quality of life assessment prior to surgery. A brief in hospital interview will follow in the peri-operative period. In the ensuing months, patients will be interviewed at approximately 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively (eg: 3 month interview will be done between 8-16 weeks and 6 month interview between 20-28 months post-operatively). Annual interviews in years two through five will be employed to determine areas for future study and solicit narrative on transition toward cancer survivorship.
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This protocol represents the first study to comprehensively evaluate QOL in a mixed population of male and female patients treated with total, anterior or posterior pelvic exenteration. This unique approach to QOL assessment which is both domain-centered and able to emphasize individual differences through the C-SHIP model has the potential to set the standard for evaluating QOL in patients who undergo extensive pelvic surgery. The longitudinal design of this study facilitates the documentation of patients'responsiveness to change. By analyzing participants' responses at intervals we will be able to document the redefinition of life goals which occurs as patients adapt to their new health status. The data and analysis completed in first three years of this study will be used to generate further hypotheses for future investigation.
Purpose
