Prevalence and intensity of dumping symptoms and their association with health-related quality of life following surgery for oesophageal cancer

Background & aims This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and intensity of symptoms of dumping syndrome (early and late) experienced by oesophageal cancer survivors one year after surgery and their association with health related quality of life (HRQL). Methods A prospective cohort study of patients who underwent surgery for oesophageal cancer in Sweden from January 2013 to April 2018, included at one year after surgery with follow-up at 1.5 years. Common symptoms of dumping syndrome were the exposure, classified as early and late onset, further divided into ‘moderate’ or ‘severe’ based on symptom intensity, and no dumping symptoms (reference group). The primary outcome was mean summary score of HRQL, and secondary outcomes were global quality of life, physical, role, emotional, cognitive and social function measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30 1.5 years after surgery. An ANCOVA model, adjusted for potential confounders was used to study the association between dumping symptoms and HRQL, presented as mean score differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Among 188 patients, moderate early dumping symptoms was experienced by 45% and severe early dumping by 9%. Moderate late dumping symptoms was reported by 13%, whereas 5% reported severe late dumping symptoms. Severe early dumping symptoms was associated with worse HRQL in 4 out of 7 aspects with worse global quality of life (MD −16, 95% CI: −27 to −4) and social function (MD −17, 95% CI: −32 to −3), which showed clinically large differences compared to having no such symptoms. Patients with moderate late dumping symptoms reported poorer HRQL in 6 out of 7 aspects compared to those with no dumping symptoms. Cognitive function (MD −27, 95% CI: −47 to −7) and emotional function (MD −24, 95% CI: −47 to −2) were significantly declined (clinically large relevance) in those with severe late dumping symptoms. Conclusions Patients who have undergone curative treatment for oesophageal cancer experience reduced HRQL from early and late dumping symptoms at one year after surgery that indicate clear implications for clinical routine. Medical support and additional dietary counselling are required as potential ways to alleviate dumping symptoms on clinical repercussions.