A prospective study on the quality of life after palliative surgery for patients with advanced breast or gastrointestinal malignancies

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) after palliative surgery of patients with advanced breast or gastrointestinal malignanciesMETHODS: Quality of Life (QoL) of 32 patients with advanced breast or gastrointestinal cancer (Stage IIIB up to Stage IV) was evaluated before surgery (baseline), then 7 and 30 days after surgery using the Medical Outcomes Study Short form (SF-36v2? Questionnaire).Statistical significance of the difference in outcomes was tested using the two-tailed T-test at 95% CI.RESULTS: Preoperatively, the patients scored poorly (scores below the average mean of 50) in all 8 subscales of the SF-36v2?. Seven days after a palliative surgery, patients showed significant improvement in all subscales except Vitality and Social Functioning.The patients experienced statistically significant changes in quality of life subscale scores on Physical Functioning, Role-Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health, Role Emotional, and Mental Health after surgery. A significant change in all subscales occurred 30 days after surgery compared to the baseline and 7 days post-op.CONCLUSIONS: While patients with advanced malignancy experienced problems with quality of life preoperatively, they improved postoperatively but not to the level of a normal person.