Prospective cohort study shows progressive recovery and improved quality of life six months after esophagectomy in esophageal cancer, indicating favorable medium-term functional outcomes.
Key Points
To evaluate baseline health-related quality of life and track longitudinal changes in functional and symptom outcomes over six months in patients undergoing McKeown's esophagectomy.
Prospective study of 50 patients with esophageal carcinoma (ECOG performance status 0–2) undergoing transthoracic McKeown esophagectomy.
Assessed health-related quality of life preoperatively, at 3–4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months using EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-OES18 questionnaires, and the Modified Takita dysphagia grading scale.
Global quality of life declined immediately post-surgery, recovered by 3 months (score: 48.23), and significantly exceeded baseline by 6 months (score: 66.84, p < 0.001).
Esophageal symptoms showed significant long-term relief, with dysphagia scores improving from 49.17 to 29.55 and Modified Takita grades demonstrating marked progress over time (p < 0.001).
Higher age, poorer baseline ECOG status, and severe surgical complications were significantly linked to worse early recovery, while surgical approach had no significant impact.