Improvement in quality of life after reconstructive surgery among leprosy affected persons – A preoperative and postoperative comparison in Mayurbhanj District of Odisha, India

Leprosy is considered as a special public health problem causing disabilities leading to deformities of limbs and eyes. Reconstructive surgery (RCS) plays an important role in restoring or improving limb function (s), prevent further disability, and improving cosmetic appearance. This study was carried out to assess the performance of routine activities and improvement in quality of life among the leprosy affected persons with st st deformity after RCS. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Odisha from 1 May to 31 July 2016, using a mixed method technique and adopting modified Wisconsin Quality of Life Index (W-QLI) among 30 leprosy affected persons who had undergone RCS during April 2014 to March 2015. The findings of study show that the improvement in physical activities was significant after RCS among cases with hand and foot deformities. Better quality of life with improved social support and social relationships was noticed following reconstructive surgery. RCS benefits the leprosy cases having deformities in improving their social acceptance, performance, confidence, satisfaction level and thereby minimizing the existing stigma. It was concluded that the awareness of importance and acceptance of reconstructive surgery will help improve quality of life of leprosy cases with deformity. Improvement in self-confidence and satisfaction level in social and vocational rehabilitation will also help to minimize the stigma and social acceptance.