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Long‐term quality of life after esophagectomy with gastric pull‐up
Author(s) -
Mantoan Silvia,
Cavallin Francesco,
Pinto Eleonora,
Saadeh Luca M.,
Alfieri Rita,
Cagol Matteo,
Bellissimo Maria C.,
Castoro Carlo,
Scarpa Marco
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of surgical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.201
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1096-9098
pISSN - 0022-4790
DOI - 10.1002/jso.24995
Subject(s) - esophagectomy , medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , dysphagia , esophageal cancer , cancer , reflux , database , surgery , disease , nursing , computer science
Background and Objectives Data on long‐term health‐related quality of life (HRQL) after esophagectomy for cancer show contradictory results. The aim was to analyze long‐term HRQL at 3 or more years after esophagectomy. Methods Survivors were identified among patients who had undergone esophagectomy during 2007‐2013 using the local clinic database. Quality of life was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ‐C30 and OG25 questionnaires. Specific aspects were selected a priori and compared with published scores from European healthy subjects (mean difference, MD). Results Sixty‐five long‐term survivors (median follow‐up 4 years) were identified. All functional scales and most symptom scales were clinically similar between EC long‐term survivors and European healthy subjects. Survivors reported more problems concerning eating (MD 13.1, 95% C.I. 10.6‐15.6) and reflux (MD 19.7, 95% C.I. 15.9‐23.5). HQRL variation from discharge to long term was available in 27 participants who reported improvements in role functioning (MD 40.1, 95%C.I. 24.3‐56.0) and dysphagia (MD −41.9, 95% C.I. −51.7 to 32.0). Conclusions Long‐term HRQL after esophagectomy is similar between EC survivors and European healthy subjects, despite persisting reflux and eating problems. Further research may focus on improvements of postoperative alimentary habits.