Alimentary satisfaction, gastrointestinal symptoms, and quality of life 10 or more years after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate alimentary satisfaction, gastrointestinal symptoms, and quality of life ≥10 years after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up.MethodsPatients who had undergone esophagectomy with gastric pull-up before 2003 were interviewed regarding their alimentary function and completed the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life and RAND short-form, 36-item, questionnaires.ResultsWe identified 67 long-term survivors after esophagectomy and gastric pull-up. Of these, 40 were located, and all agreed to participate. The median age was 75 years, and the median follow-up period was 12 years (interquartile range, 10-19). Most patients (88%) had no dysphagia, 90% were able to eat ≥3 meals/day, and 93% finished ≥50% of a typical meal. The mean alimentary comfort rating was 9 of 10. Dumping, diarrhea ≥3 times/day, or regurgitation occurred in 33% of patients. Six patients (15%) had aspiration episodes requiring hospitalization. The median weight loss after surgery was 26 lbs, and the current median body mass index was 25 kg/m2. Only 2 patients were underweight (body mass index,