[The work capacity and working arrangements of patients following stomach resection for cancer]

Abstract

In 282 patients, subjected to gastric resection for cancer, the working capacity was examined according to the data of the Medical Expertise within different terms after surgery. It was found that most of patients in primary examination were acknowledged as disabled workers of the first and second group (70.1%). A dynamic follow-up of patients in late postoperative periods revealed a tendency toward an improvement of their working capacity in a group of patients previously considered as totally disabled. However, in terms over 5 years following the operation more than half of patients proved to be disabled. A comparative estimation of the working capacity in these patients according to the Medical Expertise and personal authors' data has revealed a discrepancy between the group of disability and the work accomplished, i.e. a considerable number of patients, considered as group II, resumed their former activities (as prior to surgery) or did easier jobs. This discrepancy seems, to a certain extent, to be the result of underestimation of the patients' state by the Medical Expertise Commission and overrating the group of disability in them.