Operative Procedures of Reconstruction after Resection of Esophageal Cancer and the Postoperative Quality of Life

Abstract

To investigate the influence of surgical reconstruction procedures after the resection of esophageal cancer on postoperative quality of life, an interview was conducted and subjective and objective factors related to quality of life were evaluated in 50 patients without recurrence of esophageal cancer. Among the 50 cases, reconstruction through the antethoracal route was performed in 9 (Group I) and through the retrosternal route in 24 (Group II), and intrathoracic anastomosis was done in 17 (Group III). Postoperative disturbance of the food passeage was seen in 22.0, 41.6 and 5.9% in Groups I, II and III, respectively. Dumping symptom was evident in 11.1, 12.5 and 11.8% in each group. Heartburn was seen only in two cases in Group III. A body weight loss of more than 1.0 kg from the preoperative weight was seen in 33.3, 41.7 and 41.2% in Groups I, II and III, respectively. There was no difference in postoperative performance status or laboratory data among the groups. Thus, although intrathoracic anastomosis was favorable for postoperative food passage, there was no significant difference in any other qualityof-life factors among the routes of reconstruction in patients of reconstruction in patients without postoperative recurrence of esophageal cancer. © 1992, The Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery. All rights reserved.