Comparative study on the quality of life in patients with prevertebral or retrosternal reconstruction after cervical tubular gastroesophagostomy

Objective To compare the quality of life in patients with prevertebral or retrosternal reconstruction after cervical tubular gastroesophagostomy. Methods A total of 167 patients enrolled in this prospective study from July 2008 to June 2012 in Shantou Central Hospital, and divided into prevertebral route group (85 cases) and retrosternal route group (82 cases) according to the random number table method. Quality of life questionnaire was investigated 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after operation respectively. Results The incidence of anastomotic stenosis was lower in the prevertebral route group (P 0.05). One hundred and forty-nine patients completed the postoperative quality of life questionnaire. Dysphagia and swallowing retching symptom were better, while acid reflux and heartburn symptom were more serious in prevertebral route group as compared to retrosternal route group (all P 0.05). Conclusions For digestive tract reconstruction after resection of esophageal cancer, tubular gastroesophagostomy by prevertebral or retrosternal route both can obtain better quality of life after surgery. Swallowing function after surgery of the former is superior to the latter, but the reflux symptoms is more serious. Therefore the two mehods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of route should be depended on clinical experience and patient condition. Key words: Esophageal neoplasms; Gastric tube; Prevertebra route; Retrosternal route; Quality of life