Quality of life after esophagectomy for cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To examine symptoms and quality of life (QOL) of esophagectomy patients after curative surgery.


METHODS
Longitudinal, descriptive pilot study.


METHODS
Comprehensive cancer center in the northeastern United States.


METHODS
23 patients were surveyed: 20 men and 3 women. The mean age was 62.3 years.


METHODS
The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (version 2.0) and the esophageal-specific module were used. Data collection included three or four time points: before neoadjuvant treatment (if administered), before surgery, and three and six months after surgery.


METHODS
The effects on symptoms and QOL of curative esophagectomy performed by a thoracic surgical oncologist.


RESULTS
Global QOL declined slightly over time; this change was not statistically significant. A significant inverse relationship was found between symptom intensity and global QOL. The intensity of hoarseness, reflux, and diarrhea increased significantly pre- to postsurgery. The average symptom intensity for the esophageal-specific subset of 24 symptoms increased significantly over time; the greatest intensity was found before surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Over the six-month observation period, the study found little average change in global QOL or functional status. However, symptoms increased significantly during this time period. Increased symptoms were associated with decreased QOL.


CONCLUSIONS
Symptom management should focus on symptoms that interfere with patients' QOL. Further research should target the evaluation of specific interventions for symptoms.
Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA. m_sweed@fccc.edu
Margot Roberts
MR
Sweed
Linda
L
Schiech
Andrea
A
Barsevick
James S
JS
Babb
Melvyn
M
Goldberg
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires