Impact of Dietary Behavioural Changes on Prognosis of Postoperative Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Abstract

Objective: In recent years, the incidence of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma has been increasing, becoming a major focus of public attention. Despite surgery being the primary treatment method, the long-term prognosis after surgery is also of significant importance. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of dietary behaviour changes on the long-term prognosis of patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma after surgery.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was adopted, involving patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent surgery at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019. Data collected included characteristics of dietary behaviour, complications, postoperative quality of life scores and survival periods. Data were gathered through review of clinical pathological characteristics and patient survey questionnaires.

Results: Patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma who changed their dietary behaviours had a significant reduction in the risk of postoperative complications, higher quality of life scores (mean QoL score NDC: 9.8 vs. DC: 21.1; p < 0.001) and a slightly prolonged overall survival period (univariate hazard ratio: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.40-0.83, p = 0.003). Study findings also indicated age as a significant independent risk factor influencing patient prognosis.

Conclusion: To improve postoperative prognosis in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, guidance and management of dietary behaviour should be emphasised. Appropriate changes in dietary behaviour are expected to reduce the risk of postoperative complications, improve the quality of life and extend the survival period of patients.

Patient or public contribution: The findings of this study have important implications for both patients and the public. By investigating the impact of dietary behaviour changes on the long-term prognosis of patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma after surgery, this study provides valuable insights into potential strategies to improve patient outcomes. For patients, the study emphasises the importance of adopting healthy dietary behaviours after surgery. The results demonstrate that dietary behaviour changes can have a significant impact on the long-term prognosis of postoperative oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients. By following a healthy diet, patients may improve their overall quality of life, decrease complications and potentially increase their survival period.