Physical function and quality of life after thoracoabdominal oesophageal resection. Results of a follow-up study.
BACKGROUND
The long-term functional outcome after thoracoabdominal resection has to be better evaluated. A study was performed to evaluate patients after a similar operation both in terms of physical function and health-related quality of life (HRQL).


METHODS
Eighteen patients were evaluated 2 years after a thoracoabdominal resection. Respiratory function, physical performance and range of motion in shoulder, thorax and spine were recorded. HQRL was assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30) and EORTC QLQ-OES18 (Oeophageal module).


RESULTS
Two years after surgery, respiratory function (forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s) was significantly impaired compared to preoperative values (p < 0.05). The physical performance was significantly reduced as measured by a functional stand-up test (p < 0.05) and the handgrip force (p < 0.001). Shoulder range of motion, thoracic lateral flexion and C7 to wall were within normal ranges, thoracic flexion significantly greater (p < 0.01) but chest expansion significantly decreased (p < 0.01) compared to controls. HQRL was comparable to age- and sex-matched population norms for most of the functions. A clinical significant difference was, however, found for diarrhoea, dyspnoea, appetite loss and fatigue.


CONCLUSIONS
Within a 2-year period, each individual regains most of the respiratory and physical performances and HRQL after a thoracoabdominal resection.
Fagevik Olsén
Monika
M
Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden. monika.fagevik-olsen@vgregion.se
Larsson
Malin
M
Hammerlid
Eva
E
Lundell
Lars
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002299:Cardia; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011788:Quality of Life; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D013147:Spirometry; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D014797:Vital Capacity