Publication
Functional syndromes and symptom-orientated aftercare after esophagectomy
Journal Paper/Review - May 25, 2021
Ukegjini Kristjan, Vetter Diana, Fehr Rebecca, Dirr Valerian, Gubler Christoph, Gutschow Christian A
Units
Keywords
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
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
Pages
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.