The Portuguese version of "The Utrecht questionnaire for outcome assessment in aesthetic rhinoplasty": validation and clinical application

Abstract Introduction: The evaluation of surgical outcomes measured by patient satisfaction or quality of life is very important, especially in plastic surgery. There is increasing interest in self-reporting outcomes evaluation in plastic surgery. Objective: The aim of this study was to perform the translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of "The Utrecht questionnaire for outcome assessment in aesthetic rhinoplasty" from English to Portuguese. Methods: Retrospective study involving 50 patients undergoing to rhinoplasty comparing the preoperative period with the current postoperative situation (minimum 6 months and maximum 24 months postoperatively). Statistical analysis was performed to assess internal consistency, test-retest reliability, validity and responsiveness. Results: No patients received a negative score on the visual analogue scale comparing preoperative and postoperative appearance. The postoperative improvement on the visual analogue scale revealed a Gaussian curve of normal distribution with a mean improvement of 4.44 points. The test-retest reliability showed a positive correlation between the postoperative response and the same questionnaire repeated ninety-six hours later. The internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha value: Preoperative = 0.88; Postoperative = 0.86). The authors observed a significant improvement in response for all individual questions in the postoperative phase as compared with preoperative situation (t-student test - p < 0.05). Conclusion: The Portuguese version of "The Utrecht questionnaire for outcome assessment in aesthetic rhinoplasty" is a valid instrument to assess patients' outcomes following rhinoplasty surgery.