2024/07/19 by Anna Gillman, Michelle Hayes, Irene Walsh +3 · 1 voice
Medicine · #Cancer survivorship and care #Esophageal Cancer Research and Treatment #Gastroesophageal reflux and treatments
paper · pdf · doi:10.1080/17549507.2024.2360065
openalex publication_date 2024/07/19 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
PURPOSE: The impact of long-term aerodigestive symptoms following oesophageal cancer surgery is still not well understood. This study aimed to qualitatively understand the long-term impact of aerodigestive symptoms on quality of life in adults post-oesophagectomy. METHOD: Participants who received curative transhiatal/transthoracic surgery for oesophageal cancer in Ireland's National Oesophageal Cancer Centre were invited to attend semi-structured interviews. Surgery had to be completed at least 12 months prior. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted. RESULT: Forty participants were interviewed individually face-to-face. Four key themes were identified: (a) isolation, reflecting the reported solitude experienced by oesophageal cancer survivors when attempting to manage their ongoing aerodigestive symptoms; (b) fear, including fear of choking and fear that dysphagia symptoms may indicate recurrence of oesophageal cancer; (c) altered work capacity, caused by ongoing aerodigestive symptoms; and (d) avoidance of social situations involving food, due to the pain, discomfort, and embarrassment caused by these symptoms. CONCLUSION: Oesophageal cancer treatment can be lifesaving, however, such medical interventions can result in distressing physiological aerodigestive symptoms throughout survivorship, which can significantly impact quality of life. Our findings indicate a need for greater community support to manage aerodigestive symptoms and reduce the impact these have on quality of life.