Participation restrictions in patients after surgery for cerebral meningioma

OBJECTIVES: To examine participation restrictions in patients after surgery for cerebral meningioma and to explore possible determinants of participation.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.

PATIENTS: Patients who had surgery for cerebral meningioma at the University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands, between 2007 and 2009.

METHODS: Clinical data were retrieved from medical files, and patients completed a postal questionnaire. Participation restrictions were measured with the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation.

RESULTS: Of the 194 eligible patients, 76% (n = 136) participated in this study. Mean time after surgery was 32.6 months (standard deviation 10.6 months). Overall, patients showed favourable levels of participation. Nevertheless, many patients reported one or more problems of participation. Restrictions were most frequently reported regarding household duties, work or education. Twenty-three patients (32.9% of those who were in work before the meningioma) were not able to resume their job after surgery. Dissatisfaction was reported particularly regarding sports or other physical exercise. The presence of cognitive or emotional problems, multiple comorbidities and epilepsy were related to more participation problems.

CONCLUSION: Patients who have had surgery for cerebral meningioma experience participation restrictions. The results of this study can be used to identify patients at risk of developing participation problems and to tailor rehabilitation goals.