To describe disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a cohort managed by thoracoscopy as the primary intended approach, compare data with European reference values, and explore child–parent agreement.
Approach:
Study Design: Cross-sectional survey of 25 respondents from 51 children who underwent EA repair with thoracoscopy.
Questionnaire: The validated Polish EA-QOL questionnaire was administered to assess HRQoL.
Data Analysis: Scores were compared with published reference data, and clinical associations were examined using non-parametric methods.
Key Findings:
Overall QoL% ranged from 76% to 79% across age groups.
Eating difficulties were the most impaired domain (QoL%: 63%–70%).
No domain score differed from reference data after Bonferroni correction, though the Body and Scar domain in older children showed a borderline signal (p = 0.049, Cohen's d = 0.56).
Child–parent agreement was strong (Pearson r = 0.83).
None of the clinical variables tested were associated with HRQoL.
Interpretation:
Eating-related difficulties were identified as the dominant area of residual impairment.
Limitations:
The study was not powered for bivariate analyses of clinical variables.
Conclusion:
Findings indicate the need for long-term monitoring of food texture tolerance and reflux burden.
For years, Maria Diaz, now 64, considered herself unstoppable. A devoted grandmother, and self-described adventurer, she built her retirement around staying active and fit, enjoying travel, and caring for her grandkids.
