Quality of Life Outcome Measures in Post-Craniotomy Patients: A Systematic Review and Commentary on Neuroplastic Surgery

Introduction: Craniotomies can significantly impact the overall quality of life (QoL) of neurosurgical patients. A comprehensive understanding of the QoL outcomes in post-craniotomy patients is essential to improve clinical outcomes. This abstract introduces a systematic review to assess the current QoL tools and outcomes used to evaluate post-craniotomy patients, shedding light on the intricacies of their post-surgical experiences.

Methods: This study systematically reviewed various QoL outcomes in post-craniotomy patients. We searched PubMed, Medline, and Embase from inception through November 2023 for studies in which QoL outcome assessments were used in patients who had undergone craniotomy procedures.

Results: Our search strategy yielded 39 studies of which 26 met the study inclusion criteria. Within the included studies, the most popular QoL measures used were the Short Form 36 (SF-36), the Craniofacial Outcomes Questionnaire (COQ), and the Odom Criteria. The SF-36 is a widely used QoL tool that assesses various aspects of physical and mental health, including physical functioning, emotional well-being, and social interactions. COQ provides a questionnaire that is specific to craniofacial surgical patients. The Odom Criteria is not a traditional QoL assessment tool but is utilized in neurosurgery to classify surgical outcomes. These criteria categorize outcomes into three classes to assess the success of intracranial or intraspinal procedures and the presence of neurological deficits or complications, providing insights into the effectiveness of surgical interventions in these contexts.

Conclusion : The results emphasize the importance of carefully selecting QoL measurements for post-craniotomy patients. Likewise, there is a need for a specialized and validated QoL measure, especially in the context of craniofacial deformities post-craniotomy. Neuroplastic surgery bridges the gap between plastic surgery and neurological surgery, presenting patients with the opportunity to receive interdisciplinary care that addresses both form and function following craniotomy. An increasingly tailored measure can facilitate more patient-centered and complete care under the neuroplastic approach.