Publication

Functional syndromes and symptom-orientated aftercare after esophagectomy

Journal Paper/Review - May 25, 2021

Units
Keywords
Aftercare
Dumping Syndrome/etiology/therapy
*Esophageal Neoplasms/surgery
*Esophagectomy/adverse effects
Humans
Postoperative Complications/etiology
Quality of Life
Delayed gastric emptying
Dumping syndrome
Dysphagia
Esophagectomy
Functional aftercare
Functional syndromes
PubMed
Doi
Contact

Citation
Ukegjini K, Vetter D, Fehr R, Dirr V, Gubler C, Gutschow C. Functional syndromes and symptom-orientated aftercare after esophagectomy. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2021; 406:2249-2261.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
Langenbecks Arch Surg 2021; 406
Publication Date
May 25, 2021
Issn Electronic
1435-2451
Pages
2249-2261
Brief description/objective

BACKGROUND
Surgery is the cornerstone of esophageal cancer treatment but remains burdened with significant postoperative changes of gastrointestinal function and quality of life.

PURPOSE
The aim of this narrative review is to assess and summarize the current knowledge on postoperative functional syndromes and quality of life after esophagectomy for cancer, and to provide orientation for the reader in the challenging field of functional aftercare.

CONCLUSIONS
Post-esophagectomy syndromes include various conditions such as dysphagia, reflux, delayed gastric emptying, dumping syndrome, weight loss, and chronic diarrhea. Clinical pictures and individual expressions are highly variable and may be extremely distressing for those affected. Therefore, in addition to a mostly well-coordinated oncological follow-up, we strongly emphasize the need for regular monitoring of physical well-being and gastrointestinal function. The prerequisite for an effective functional aftercare covering the whole spectrum of postoperative syndromes is a comprehensive knowledge of the pathophysiological background. As functional conditions often require a complex diagnostic workup and long-term therapy, close interdisciplinary cooperation with radiologists, gastroenterologists, oncologists, and specialized nutritional counseling is imperative for successful management.