[Quality of life of patients after esophagogastrostomy combined with lung volume reduction surgery].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) combined with esophagogastrostomy in thorax on quality of life of the patients with severe emphysema combined with esophageal or cardiac carcinoma.

Methods: Eighteen patients suffering from esophageal or cardiac carcinomas and severe emphysema with severely impaired respiratory function and low quality of life underwent resection of carcinoma and esophagogastrostomy in thorax. And then, same side LVRS was performed using TLC75 stapler. All staple lines were buttressed with bovine pericardial strips. Quality of life was evaluated before operation and every 3 months up to one year postoperatively by using the Short-form 36 (SF-36) health questionnaire.

Results: The volumes of resected pulmonary tissues, weighing (62.2 +/- 9.6) g, accounted for 25% - 30% of the total volume of the same side lung parenchyma. All the cases went through successfully the perioperative period without hospital mortality. Postoperative hospital stay averaged 19.7 +/- 4.8 days (15 to 23 days). All of the functions included in the SF-36 were improved (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Esophagogastrostomy in thorax combined with LVRS significantly benefits the patients with severe emphysema and esophageal or cardiac carcinoma in terms of long-term quality of life.