Quality of life and self-management strategies after gastroesophageal cancer surgery.

159Background: Gastroesophageal cancer surgery can result in significant morbidity and decreased quality of life (QOL). The profound physical changes and symptoms that affect eating/digestion can substantially alter psychological and social well-being. We aimed to describe QOL and dietary/behavioral self-management strategies after gastroesophageal cancer surgery. Methods: Patients who were 6-12 months post-resection completed surveys for QOL (EORTC-QLQ-C30), symptoms (EORTC-QLQ-OES18 or QLQ-STO22), diet modifications, and behavioral adjustments. Scores for validated measures were calculated according to guidelines, and summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: 31 patients (11 esophagectomy, 20 gastrectromy) participated in the study. Surgical approach was 71% minimally invasive (laparoscopic, robotic). Patients reported clinically meaningful (≥10 point difference) worse mean scores compared to reference population means for physical (73.3/100 esophagectomy, 78.3/100 gastrectomy vs. 89.8/100 refer...