Quality of life in long-term survivors after curative transhiatal oesophagectomy for oesophageal carcinoma

Background: Transhiatal resection for oesophageal cancer is a major operati on with potentially severe physical, emotional and social consequences. The aim of this study was to assess various aspects of quality of life in long -term survivors following oesophageal resection for cancer. Methods: Between January 1993 and May 1996, 100 consecutive patients with c ancer of the oesophagus or oesophagogastric junction underwent a potentiall y curative transhiatal oesophagectomy. Patients with a minimum follow-up of 2 years and with no tumour recurrence (n = 35) were mailed questionnaires which consisted of: (a) the Short Form-36 Health Survey to assess general q uality of life, (b) an adapted Rotterdam Symptom Checklist to assess diseas e-specific quality of life, and (c) additional questions about other effect s of the operation. Results: All patients returned the questionnaire. General quality of life w as comparable with reference values for the same age group. However, more t han half of the patients still experienced at least some early satiety, fat igue, dysphagia, heartburn and/or psychological irritability. Nine of 13 pa tients who worked in paid employment before operation continued to do so. Conclusion: Patients who survive 2 years or more after transhiatal oesophag eal resection for cancer can lead satisfactory lives. Although some residua l symptoms may persist, their general quality of life is similar to that of healthy individuals of the same age.