Published online May 27, 2021. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v13.i5.461
Peer-review started: January 19, 2021
First decision: February 14, 2021
Revised: February 21, 2021
Accepted: April 22, 2021
Article in press: April 22, 2021
Published online: May 27, 2021
Processing time: 121 Days and 16.7 Hours
The effects of various gastrectomy procedures on the patient’s quality of life (QOL) are not well understood. Thus, this nationwide multi-institutional cross-sectional study using the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45 (PGSAS-45), a well-established questionnaire designed to clarify the severity and characteristics of the postgastrectomy syndrome, was conducted.
To compare the effects of six main gastrectomy procedures on the postoperative QOL.
Eligible questionnaires retrieved from 2368 patients who underwent either of six gastrectomy procedures [total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction (TGRY; n = 393), proximal gastrectomy (PG; n = 193), distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction (DGRY; n = 475), distal gastrectomy with Billroth-I reconstruction (DGBI; n = 909), pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG; n = 313), and local resection of the stomach (LR; n = 85)] were analyzed. Among the 19 main outcome measures of PGSAS-45, the severity and characteristics of postgastrectomy syndrome were compared for the aforementioned six gastrectomy procedures using analysis of means.
TGRY and PG significantly impaired the QOL of postoperative patients. Postoperative QOL was excellent in LR (cardia and pylorus were preserved with minimal resection). In procedures removing the distal stomach, diarrhea subscale (SS) and dumping SS were less frequent in PPG than in DGBI and DGRY. However, there was no difference in the postoperative QOL between DGBI and DGRY. The most noticeable adverse effects caused by gastrectomy were meal-related distress SS, dissatisfaction at the meal, and weight loss, with significant differences among the surgical procedures.
Postoperative QOL greatly differed among six gastrectomy procedures. The severity and characteristics of postgastrectomy syndrome should be considered to select gastrectomy procedures, overcome surgical shortcomings, and enhance postoperative care.
Core Tip: For surgeons, to understand the general aspects of how the site and extent of gastrectomy affect postoperative patient’s quality of life (QOL) is important. Therefore, we investigated this concern by the nationwide multi-institutional collaborative study called Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Study. The overview of the effects of the six main gastrectomy procedures on the patient’s dairy living revealed that the postoperative QOL differed greatly depending on the site and extent of gastrectomy. The severity and characteristics of postgastrectomy syndrome should be considered to select gastrectomy procedures, overcome surgical shortcomings, and enhance postoperative care.