[Assessment of quality of life after resection of colorectal carcinoma]

Abstract

Quality of life (QL) following resection of carcinoma of the colon (n = 68) and rectum (n = 58) was studied in 126 patients 12 months postoperatively and in 34 patients at regularly intervals, starting with a preoperative assessment. QL was assessed by the patients themselves using the EORTC QL questionnaire (QLQ-30) and by a psychologist using the Spitzer index. Between self-assessment and evaluation by the independent observer, a significant but not very strong correlation (r = 0.48) was determined and QL was evaluated as being better by the observer. Although somatic and emotional problems were significantly more common in patients with rectal cancer following abdominoperineal resection and the Spitzer index was significantly lower in these patients, the subjectively perceived global QL did not differ from that after sphincter-preserving resection. Of several factors analysed, tumour recurrence was the decisive factor determining postoperative QL. In disease-free patients QL had deteriorated on discharge from hospital but was restored within 3-6 months postoperatively.