03622nas a2200313   4500000000100000008004100001260004400042653004300086653004000129653002700169653002800196653002500224653002100249100001800270700001000288700001300298700001900311700001400330700001400344700000800358700001200366700001200378700001500390245013300405856009300538300000900631520265400640022001403294       2024                            d  bSpringer Science and Business Media LLC10anational leprosy eradication programme10a plastic and reconstructive surgery10a leprosy complications10arehabilitation services10aphysical deformities10a societal stigma1 aShrivastava K1 aRay S1 aRathod H1 aWahegaonkar AL1 aJadhav SL1 aMahajan A1 aS J1 aVerma P1 aPalal D1 aSengupta S00aTransforming Lives: A Qualitative Study Seeking Insights Into Reconstructive Surgery for Leprosy Patients in Western Maharashtra  uhttps://assets.cureus.com/uploads/original_article/pdf/281737/20240902-653398-v0wper.pdf  a1-143 a<p><strong>Introduction:</strong> Leprosy remains a significant health issue, especially in areas where diagnosis and treatment face numerous barriers, leading to preventable deformities and disabilities. This study aims to explore the obstacles to reconstructive surgery for leprosy patients, from both patient and healthcare provider perspectives. By conducting a qualitative analysis, the study seeks to assess the impact of reconstructive surgery on patients' quality of life, encompassing their physical, psychological, emotional, and social well-being.</p>

<p><strong>Methods:</strong> This qualitative study was conducted from April to May 2024. One focus group discussion (FGD) for 12 participants, along with two in-depth interviews, was conducted for the patients at a leprosy rehabilitation center in western Maharashtra who have completed leprosy treatment and have undergone reconstructive surgeries for their disability. One in-depth interview was conducted with the key informant (a healthcare provider who is a surgeon who performs reconstructive surgeries for leprosy patients). Participants were selected through purposive sampling until information saturation was achieved. Interviews were conducted in local languages and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key barriers and themes.</p>

<p><strong>Results: </strong>A qualitative analysis of feedback from leprosy patients who underwent reconstructive surgery (RCS) highlights the importance of family support and the transformative impact of surgery on functionality and psychological well-being. Stigmatization and fear often delayed treatment-seeking behavior, but government incentives alleviated economic burdens, and participants expressed readiness to recommend RCS to others. Surgeons emphasize the variety of surgeries performed, eligibility criteria, recovery period, and success rate of 85-90%, noting the importance of financial accessibility and a multidisciplinary approach. Suggestions for improvement include infrastructure enhancement, adequate funding, and active case detection by the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP).</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings highlight the complex interplay of factors contributing to delays in reconstructive surgery for leprosy patients in India. Addressing these barriers requires multifaceted interventions, including increasing public awareness, improving healthcare infrastructure, and enhancing support systems for patients. Policy development should focus on these areas to reduce disparities and improve the outcomes of reconstructive surgery in resource-limited settings.</p>
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