J Korean Gastric Cancer Assoc.  2010 Mar;10(1):34-39.

Quality of Life of Long-term Survivors after a Subtotal or a Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

• Lee SS
• Han SW
• Jeong H
• Song J
• Chung HY
• Yu W

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to compare quality of life of long-term survivors after a subtotal or a total gastrectomy for gastric cancer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 questionnaire and QLQ-STO22 questionnaire were used to assess quality of life of 166 patients on their 5th annual follow-ups after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. One hundred twenty-six patients underwent a subtotal gastrectomy and 40 patients a total gastrectomy.
RESULTS
The subtotal gastrectomy group revealed a trend to have better quality of life in functional scales (physical, role, emotional, cognitive and social), fatigue, pain, dyspnea, diarrhea and financial difficulties. The total gastrectomy group showed a trend to have better quality of life in the global health status and quality of life, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, appetite loss and constipation. In all scales of the EORTC QLQ-STO22, the subtotal gastrectomy group had a trend to have better quality of life. However these did not reach the statistical significance.
CONCLUSION
Surgeons may not limit the extent of resection concerning long-lasting poor quality of life. Oncologically sound resection is recommended.

Keyword

Stomach neoplasms; Gastrectomy; Quality of life

MeSH Terms

Appetite
Constipation
Diarrhea
Dyspnea
Fatigue
Follow-Up Studies
Gastrectomy
Humans
Nausea
Quality of Life
Surveys and Questionnaires
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
Stomach Neoplasms
Survivors
Vomiting
Weights and Measures