Predictors of early postoperative quality of life after elective resection for colorectal cancer.
BACKGROUND
Measurement of quality of life (QoL) is assuming increasing importance in cancer care. Predictors of early postoperative QoL after colorectal cancer resection are not clear and the aim of this study was to identify these factors.


METHODS
A consecutive series of eligible patients undergoing elective resection for colorectal cancer were invited to participate. Standardised, reliable and validated psychological questionnaires (HADS, PANAS, MRS, FACT-C, EQ-5D) were administered seven days prior to surgery and then six weeks after discharge.


RESULTS
One hundred and four patients with colorectal cancer were recruited. There were 70 males (67.3%) and the mean age of the group was 67.6 years. Postoperative anxiety and depression were closely related to the preoperative anxiety and depression scores (p < 0.001). Other QoL scores also showed significant correlation with the respective preoperative scores. Anxiety, depression, and FACT functional wellbeing scores were also correlated with the incidence of postoperative morbidity. On multiple regression analysis postoperative morbidity, tumour node metastasis (TNM) stage, presence of stoma and preoperative QoL scores were found to independently predict postoperative QoL scores.


CONCLUSIONS
Routine preoperative QoL measurement in cancer patients can identify patients at risk of having a poor QoL postoperatively. Suitable psychological and pharmaceutical intervention can be planned in advance for this group.
Sharma
A
A
Academic Surgical Unit, University of Hull, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, Hull, HU16 5JQ, UK.
Sharp
D M
DM
Walker
L G
LG
Monson
J R T
JR
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery*; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015996:Survival Rate; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome