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Quality of life following laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS
This study investigated quality of life (QoL) of patients 6 months after surgery for early or advanced gastric cancer.


METHODOLOGY
Between June, 2006 and December, 2009, 39 patients undergoing laparoscopic assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) and 35 patients undergoing open distal gastrectomy (ODG) were enrolled. All the patients completed a validated questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and site specific module (QLQ-STO22) after surgery. Clinicopathological characteristics were compared and the patients' QoL were emphasized.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, comorbidities, curative degree, tumor stage, etc. In terms of QLQ-C30 items, significantly better role, cognitive, emotional and social functioning in the LADG group were identified as well as a significant lower incidence rate of constipation. Physical functioning, dyspnea, pain, fatigue, insomnia, diarrhea, financial difficulties and global health status, were not significantly different between the two groups. With respect to QLQ-STO22 items, LADG associated with lower incidence of reflux symptoms and better body image. However, there were no significant differences on symptoms of dysphagia, pain, eating restrictions, dry mouth, change of taste, anxiety and hair loss. QoL stratified by Billroth II reconstruction procedure gave similar results except for role functioning and body image, LADG had higher score compared with ODG.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term follow-up results suggest that LADG might help improve the QoL in patients with gastric cancer. Well-designed large scale randomized controlled trials are needed.