Philippine Journal of Surgical Specialties Vol. 68, No. 2, April-June 2013, pp 31-40
A Prospective Study on the Quality of Life After Palliative Surgery for Patients with Advanced Breast or Gastrointestinal Malignancies
Author(s): Herbert C. Tagab, M.D., F.P.C.S.; Stephen Sixto Siguan, M.D., F.P.C.S. and Saleshe Tracy Anne G. Baking, M.D.
Abstract:
Objective: To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) after palliative surgery of patients with advanced breast or gastrointestinal malignancies
Methods:
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.
Key words: quality of life, advanced breast cancer, advanced gastrointestinal malignancy