Thematic Analysis of Parental Experiences of Patients' Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery often requires extensive orthodontic preparation and a prolonged postoperative recovery that can be stressful for patients and their families. Parents are a primary source of support for patients; accordingly, a better understanding of the parents' experience of orthognathic surgery can help inform clinical care. Using a prospective cross-sectional qualitative study design, 4 focus groups (2 English and 2 Spanish; mean length 65 min) were held with parents of patients who had completed orthognathic surgery for class II/III malocclusion. Thematic content analysis of the group transcriptions was conducted. Participants were 10 mothers and 3 fathers of 12 children (50% with cleft lip/palate) ages 17 to 23 who completed LeFort I (41.7%), LeFort I with bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO; 41.7%), or BSSO (16.7%) within the prior 3 to 16 months. Themes fit within a chronological framework: (1) Preparing for Surgery included their larger health context, anticipating surgery, surgery preparation by team and family, and religious faith; (2) Challenges after Surgery consisted of complications, pain, frustration, nutritional challenges, parental anxiety, activity changes, sleep, breathing issues, swelling, and unanticipated aspects of surgery; and (3) Supports after Surgery were nutritional support, appreciation of medical team, postoperative improvements, appearance changes, communicating, supporting patient, and patient coping. Parents also offered advice for families and medical teams. Surgeons and other providers who are part of orthognathic surgical preparation can implement recommendations based on parental experiences to increase patient and family readiness for surgery by providing early education, assisting with advocacy, focusing on nutrition, and supporting coping.