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S23-8
(P)
LIVING WITH AN AUGMENTED BLADDER: THE EXPERIENCES OF YOUNG PEOPLE
FOLLOWING THEIR SURGERY.
Sarah DOYLE
1
, Bernie CARTER
2
, Lucy BRAY
3
and Caroline SANDERS
4
1) Alder Hey NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Surgery, Liverpool, UNITED KINGDOM - 2) University of Central
Lancashire & Alder Hey NHS Foundation Trust, School of Health & Children's Nursing Research Unit, Preston, UNITED
KINGDOM - 3) Edge Hill University & Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Evidence-based Practice Research
Centre & Children's Nursing Research Unit, Ormskirk, UNITED KINGDOM - 4) Alder Hey NHS Foundation Trust,
Department of Surgery & Children's Nursing Research Unit, Liverpool, UNITED KINGDOM
PURPOSE
The personal experiences of young people (YP) following bladder augmentation (BA) is under researched. The aim of
this study was to explore YP’s life following BA. This presentation will share early concepts, which explore the
experiences of life with a BA.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A qualitative study was undertaken from 2012-2014 using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Recruitment
was from one paediatric and one adult hospital, written informed consent was obtained. Face-to-face interviews were
organised at a date, time & venue negotiated between the YP and researcher. Interviews were audio recorded and
transcribed verbatim. Analysis was undertaken using IPA, initially case by case then by cross case analysis to identify
themes.
RESULTS
Eight YP (aged 14-25 years; mean 19 years) who had a BA performed 3-14 years previously were interviewed. The
findings show that prior to BA surgery, living with the unpredictable nature of their bladder was challenging and limited
their engagement in social activities. Involvement in the BA surgical decision-making varied and was influenced by their
age, understanding and motivation. Following surgery for some YP noticeable restrictions persisted such as regular
catheterisation. Despite this YP believed that surgery had offered a sense of freedom that was previously not achievable.
This is evidenced in how they talked about independence and their flexibility in their bladder management.
CONCLUSIONS
While small, this study emphasises the impact having a BA has on these YP in many aspects of their life. Surgery
enhanced their wellbeing and provides them with the opportunity to normalise their lives.