The quality of life of gastroesophageal reflux disease patients waiting for an antireflux operation.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this trial was to measure the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients waiting for an antireflux operation.


METHODS
A total of 120 patients waiting for a laparoscopic fundoplication were sent questionnaires measuring their symptoms and quality of life.


RESULTS
Ninety-five of the patients still needing an operation returned the questionaires and were included in the analysis. Thirty-one of 84 patients (37%) felt that the symptoms had worsened, and 51/90 (57%) were unsatisfied. Thirty percent suffered from throat or airway infections, 25% from swallowing difficulties, 48% from retrosternal pain, and 18% had asthma. The mean GERD HRQL score (0-45) was 21.7 (95% confidence interval, 19.7-23.7). Short Form-36 scores of this population were significantly worse when compared to patients with inguinal hernia or moderate asthma.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients waiting for a fundoplication seem to have a significantly decreased health-related quality of life due to poor symptom control regardless of continuous medical treatment.
Heikkinen
T
T
Department of Surgery, Oulu University Hospital, 90021, PL 21, Oulu, OYS, Finland. timo-jaakko.heikkinen@oulu.fi
Koivukangas
V
V
Wiik
H
H
Saarnio
J
J
Rautio
T
T
Haukipuro
K
K
D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires