OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the quality of life (QOL) of patients undergoing esophagectomy for treatment of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction and squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in postoperative patients submitted to esophagectomy for adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (ACA) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), using the SF-36 questionnaire applied in 24 patients (10 ACAs and 14 SCCs), from the 5th months postoperatively, including clinical symptoms and weight change. RESULTS: The assessment of QOL showed the best functional capacity (p = 0.018) in the ACA group. There was a correlation between the fields "mental health" and "Role of Emotions" (p = 0.003) and between "pain" and "physical aspects limitation" (p = 0.003) in both histological types. Weight loss was greater in ACA (45.9 kg), with no significant difference between current BMI (p> 0.66). Dysphagia was reported by 83.3% of patients, anorexia by58.3%, chewing difficulty by 42%, nausea and vomiting by 41.7% and diarrhea by 29.2%, with no correlation with QOL reported (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: The highest score for functional capacity indicates that ACA patients were able to perform all types of physical activity, including the more demanding, at a higher level than patients with SCC. Some symptoms persisted postoperatively, but did not affect the quality of life of patients.
Adenocarcinoma; Squamous Cell Carcinoma; Quality of life; Esophagectomy; Swallowing disorders
