WE4.1 A Prospective Observational Study on Quality of Life Pre and Post Gastrojejunostomy for Benign Disease

Abstract

Background Benign disease leading to gastric outlet obstruction is a major cause for morbidity and malnutrition. Surgery in the form of a gastrojejunostomy is aimed at improving quality of life by bypassing the obstructing lesion and restoring adequate oral nutrition. Methods Patients undergoing an open gastrojejunostomy for benign disease at a district general hospital operated by the same surgeon over a 3 year period were recruited. Based on the HRQoL SF-12 questionnaire, the pre-operative physical component summary (PCS) score were recorded together with pre-operative albumin levels and weight. The post operative PCS score, post-operative albumin and post-operative weight were recorded at 90 days. Differences were investigated using univariate comparisons. Results The mean ± SD pre-operative PCS score were 33.9 ± 8.1, postoperative score were 42.7 ± 7.8 9 (p= 0.003) in 6 patients. Mean ± SD pre-operative serum albumin levels were 27 ± 4 and postoperative levels were 32 ± 3 (p=0.04). There was a 3.7 ± 1.2 kg increase in weight over the 90 day period (p=0.03). There were no complications nor returns to theatre. The mean length of stay was 6 ± 3 days. Conclusions Gastrojejunostomy for benign disease causing gastric outlet obstruction has been shown to improve quality of life, serum albumin and weight over a 90 day period. It can therefore be concluded that beneficial patient outcomes can be achieved in a relatively short time span post-surgery.