Abstract

Nascimben Francesca*, Molinaro Francesco, Fusi Giulia, Todesco Camilla, Vasta Gabriele, Cimino Gaetano, Scandurra Valeria, Tursini Stefano, Briganti Vito, Cuomo Roberto, Messina Mario and Angotti Rossella

Aim of the study: Aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate all the paediatric patients affected by DSD (Disorders of Sexual Development) surgically treated at out Department of analysing their diagnosis, treatment and both surgical and psychological outcomes.

Materials and Methods: All patients affected by DSD who underwent to reconstructive surgery at our Department from January 2009 to September 2020 were included. Two questionnaires were proposed to them: CBCL (Child Behavioural Check List) and YSR (Youth Self-Report) were used to evaluate their quality of life and the eventual development od emotional and behavioural disorders; PedsQL 4.0 (Pediatric Quality of Life) to analyse the longterm psychological outcomes of surgery in term of daliy activities, scholar grades and social interactions.

Results: All 29 paediatric patients presented satisfied aesthetical and functional outcomes. Eight (27.5%) patients were selected to complete the questionnaires and 6 of them (75%) filled in them. 5 of 6 patients (83%) showed alterations of quality of life, 1 (16%) suffered from anxiety, 2 (33%) showed borderline values for anxiety and emotional disturbances.

Conclusions: According to our experience, satisfied aesthetical, surgical and functional outcomes were described. Psychological consequences developed after reconstructive surgery for DSD patients. It seems to be useful propose a psycho-diagnostical screening to all patients affected by DSD and treated with a surgical approach in order to evaluate their quality of life and recognise possible emotional and behavioural disorders due to this changing process.