COMPARATIVE-EXAMINATION OF QUALITY-OF-LIF E AFTER GASTRIC RESECTION

In the present study, 195 patients, following total gastrectomy (n = 1 05) or subtotal gastric resection (n = 90) for carcinoma without evide nce of recurrence, were examined with regard to their quality of life using the Gastrointestinal Quality-of-Life Index (GLQI). After subtota l gastric resection patients achieved statistically significant better scores concerning disease-therapy-related symptoms and physical funct ions, resulting in a better overall score (p < 0.02). However, it seem s to be questionable whether these statistically significant differenc es are of clinical relevance in the patient's daily life. Preservation of the gastric stump with the aim of improving postoperative quality of life should never be allowed to compromise oncological radicality.