Health-related quality of life in patients undergoing hepato-pancreato biliary cancer surgery: A prospective follow-up study

Purpose

Patients with cancer in the liver, pancreas, or bile ducts often experience stressful situations. These patients frequently perceive a variety of symptoms that affect their health both before and after surgery. This study aimed to investigate the health-related quality of life of patients undergoing hepato-pancreato-biliary cancer surgery and to compare pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcomes.

Method

A prospective study was conducted using a consecutive sampling procedure. The inclusion criteria were patients aged over 18 years with malignant tumours in the liver, bile ducts, or pancreas, who were treated with curative cancer surgery.

Results

Of the 77 included patients, 50.6 % were men, and 55.8 % were 70 years or older. The results are based on 154 completed EQ-5D-5L questionnaires, analyzed preoperatively and postoperatively. The overall mobility and anxiety dimensions did not change between the pre- and postoperative assessments. The overall self-care dimension increased over time (p = 0.001), as did the usual activities and pain dimensions (p < 0.001). More men reported no problems with mobility one month postoperatively. Our results showed that patients undergoing HPB cancer surgery had a lower overall health-related quality of life postoperatively, with significant differences in the dimensions of pain, activity, and self-care.

Conclusions

Clinically significant results include no changes in mobility and anxiety between the pre- and postoperative assessments. Men reported higher rates of no problems with mobility postoperatively. The differences in mobility between women and men are important clinical findings, suggesting the need for more attention to support patients for equitable and safe postoperative cancer care.