Alimentary satisfaction, gastrointestinal symptoms, and quality of life 10 or more years after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate alimentary satisfaction, gastrointestinal symptoms, and quality of life >= 10 years after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up. Methods: Patients who had undergone esophagectomy with gastric pull-up before 2003 were interviewed regarding their alimentary function and completed the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life and RAND short-form, 36-item, questionnaires. Results: We identified 67 long-term survivors after esophagectomy and gastric pull-up. Of these, 40 were located, and all agreed to participate. The median age was 75 years, and the median follow-up period was 12 years (interquartile range, 10-19). Most patients (88%) had no dysphagia, 90% were able to eat >= 3 meals/day, and 93% finished >= 50% of a typical meal. The mean alimentary comfort rating was 9 of 10. Dumping, diarrhea >= 3 times/day, or regurgitation occurred in 33% of patients. Six patients (15%) had aspiration episodes requiring hospitalization. The median weight loss after surgery was 26 lbs, and the current median body mass index was 25 kg/m(2). Only 2 patients were underweight (body mass index, <18.5 kg/m(2)). The median Gastrointestinal Quality of Life score was 2.9 of 4. The RAND scores were at the population mean in 1 category (physical function) and above the normal mean in the remaining 7 categories. Conclusions: Long-term nutritional status, quality of life, and satisfaction with eating were excellent after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up. Gastrointestinal side effects were common, but serious complications such as aspiration were uncommon. Pessimism regarding the long-term ability to enjoy a meal and live with a good quality of life after esophagectomy is unwarranted.