The impact of exogenous trypsin supplement on the quality of life of patients after total gastrectomy

Objective To improve the quality of life in gastric cancer patients after total gastrectomy by exogenous trypsin supplement.Method In this study 106 patients were divided into two groups,with 53 patients in each group,oral pancreatic enzyme capsule was given in comparison without in control group.Patients were asked to fill in EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire and Korenaga questionnaire at half a year postoperation,stool sample was collected at the same time for fecal fat assay.Results A total of 86 patients completed this test at postoperation half a year.With a comprehensive assessment of quality of life in patients by the scoring system of EORTC QLQ-C30 and Korenaga and the fecal fat contents measurement.Exogenous trypsin plays a positive role in preventing weight loss,improving emotional function,alleviating loss of appetite,insomnia,fatigue,postprandial fullness,nausea,vomiting and diarrhea,and improving intestinal tolerance to fat and the overall health status of patients.Conclusions Total gastrectomy causes exocrine pancreatic dysfunction,exogenous supplement of the enzyme improves postoperative quality of life in these patients. Key words: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency;  Pancreatin;  Gastrectomy;  Quality of life