Esophageal Resection for Cancer of the Esophagus: Long-Term Function and Quality of Life

Background. Information on function and quality of life of long-term survivors after esophageal resection for carcinoma is limited. Methods. Between 1972 and 1990, 359 patients underwent esophagectomy for stage I or II esophageal carcinoma at Mayo Clinic. We evaluated long-term function and quality of life in 107 of these patients (81 men and 26 women) who survived 5 or more years. Median age at operation was 62 years (range, 30 to 81 years). The operation performed was an Ivor Lewis resection in 77 patients (72%), transhiatal esophagectomy in 14 (13%), extended esophagectomy in 4 (4%), thoracoabdominal esophagectomy in 4 (4%), and other in 8 (7%). Adenocarcinoma was present in 72 patients (67%), squamous cell carcinoma in 28 (26%), and other in 7 (7%). Thirty-four patients (32%) were in postsurgical stage I, 65 (61%) in stage IIA, and 8 (8%) in stage IIB. Median survival was 10.2 years (range, 5.0 to 23.2 years). Follow-up was complete for all patients. Results. Gastroesophageal reflux was present in 64 patients (60%), symptoms of dumping in 53 (50%), and dysphagia to solid food in 27 (25%). Seventeen patients (16%) were asymptomatic. Factors affecting late functional outcome were analyzed. Patients who had a cervical anastomosis had significantly fewer reflux symptoms (p < 0.05). Dumping syndrome occurred more frequently in younger patients (p < 0.05) and women (p < 0.01). Quality of life was assessed separately by the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey and compared with the national norm. Scores measuring physical functioning were decreased (p < 0.01). Scores measuring ability to work, social interaction, daily activities, emotional dysfunction, perception of health, and levels of energy were similar. Mental health scores were higher (p < 0.05). Conclusions. We conclude that long-term functional outcome after esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma is affected by age, sex, and type of reconstruction. Quality of life as judged by the patients is similar to the national norm.