Assessment of the Long-Term Impact of Pancreatoduodenectomy on Health-Related Quality of Life Using the EORTC QLQ-PAN26 Module

Failed recovery after pancreatoduodenectomy: A significant problem even without surgical complications

BACKGROUND

The absence of surgical complications has traditionally been used to define successful recovery after pancreas surgery. However, patient-reported outcome measures as metrics of a challenging recovery may be superior to objective morbidity. This study aims to evaluate the use of patient-reported outcomes in assessing recovery after pancreas surgery.

METHODS

Patients scheduled for pancreatoduodenectomy were prospectively enrolled between 2016 to 2018. Patient-reported outcomes were collected using the linear analog self-assessment questionnaire preoperatively and on postoperative days 2, 7, 14, 30, and monthly until 6 months. Patients were also asked if they felt fully recovered at 30 days and 6 months. Thirty-day surgical morbidity was prospectively assessed, and the comprehensive complication index at 30 days was used to categorize morbidity as major or multiple minor complications (comprehensive complication index ≥26.2) vs uncomplicated (comprehensive complication index <26.2). Clinically significant International Study Group Pancreas Surgery Grade B and C pancreatic fistulas and delayed gastric emptying were reported. χ2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to assess associations with recovery by 6 months and quality of life throughout the postoperative period.

RESULTS

Of 116 patients who met inclusion criteria and were enrolled, 32 (28%) had major or multiple minor complications (comprehensive complication index ≥26.2). Overall, fewer than 1 in 10 patients (7%) reported feeling fully recovered at 30 days postoperatively, whereas 55% reported feeling fully recovered at 6 months. Of patients suffering major morbidity, 62% did not recover by 6 months, whereas 38% of those in the uncomplicated group reported not being recovered at 6 months (P = .03). Patients who experienced delayed gastric emptying reported low quality-of-life scores at 1 month (P = .04) compared to those with no delayed gastric emptying, but this did not persist at 6 months (P = .80). Postoperative pancreatic fistula was not associated with quality of life at 1 or 6 months (both P > .05). In the uncomplicated patients, age, sex, surgical approach, and cancer status were not associated with failed recovery at 6 months (all P > .05), and healthier patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists 1-2) were less likely to report complete recovery (42% vs 69% American Society of Anesthesiologists 3-4, P = .04). With the exception of higher preoperative pain scores (mean 2.3 [standard deviation 2.4] among patients not fully recovered at 6 months vs 1.6 [2.2] among those fully recovered, P = .04), preoperative patient-reported outcomes were not associated with failed recovery at 6 months (all P > .05). However, lower 30-day quality of life, social activity, pain, and fatigue scores were associated with incomplete recovery at 6 months.

CONCLUSION

More than 1 in 3 patients with an uncomplicated course do not feel fully recovered from pancreas surgery at 6 months; the presence of surgical complications did not universally correspond with recovery failure. In patients with complications, delayed gastric emptying appears to drive quality of life more significantly than postoperative pancreatic fistula. In patients with uncomplicated recovery, healthier patients were less likely to report full recovery at 6 months. Thirty-day patient-reported outcomes may be able to identify patients who are at risk of incomplete long-term recovery.

Do Complications After Pancreatoduodenectomy Have an Impact on Long-Term Quality of Life and Functional Outcomes?

Objective

Our aim was to assess whether complications after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) impact long-term quality of life (QoL) and functional outcomes.

Background

There is an increasing number of long-term post-PD survivors, but few studies have evaluated long-term QoL outcomes.

Methods

The EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PAN26 questionnaires were administered to patients who survived >5 years post-PD. Clinical relevance (CR) was scored as small (5-10), moderate (10-20), or large (>20). Patients were stratified based on whether they experienced a complication during the index hospitalization.

Results

Of 305 patients >5 years post-PD survivors, with valid contact information, 248 completed the questionnaires, and 231 had complication data available. Twenty-nine percent of patients experienced a complication, of which 17 (7.4%) were grade 1, 27 (11.7%) were grade 2, and 25 (10.8%) were grade 3. Global health status and functional domain scores were similar between both groups. Patients experiencing complications reported lower fatigue (21.4 vs 28.1, P < 0.05, CR small) and diarrhea (15.9 vs 23.1, P < 0.05, CR small) symptom scores when compared to patients without complications. Patients experiencing complications also reported lower pancreatic pain (38.2 vs 43.4, P < 0.05, CR small) and altered bowel habits (30.1 vs 40.7, P < 0.01, CR moderate) symptom scores. There was a lower prevalence of worrying (36.2% vs 60.5%, P < 0.05) and bloating (42.0% vs 56.2%, P < 0.05) among PD survivors with complications.

Conclusions

Post-PD complication rates were not associated with long-term global QoL or functionality, and may be associated with less severe pancreas-specific symptoms.

Quality of Life and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Long-term Survivors of Pancreatic Cancer Following Pancreatoduodenectomy

OBJECTIVE

To describe long-term quality of life (QOL) and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer in the modern era.

BACKGROUND

As advances in pancreatic cancer management improve outcomes, it is essential to assess long-term patient-reported outcomes after surgery.

METHODS

Patients who underwent curative intent pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer between January 2011 and June 2019 from a single center were identified. Patients alive ≥3 years after surgery were considered long-term survivors (LTS). LTS who were alive in June 2022 received a 55-question survey to assess their QOL (EORTC-QLQ-C30) and GI symptoms (EORTC-PAN26 and Problem Areas in Diabetes Questionnaire). Responses were compared against population norms. Clinicodemographic characteristics in LTS versus non-LTS and survey completion were compared.

RESULTS

Six hundred seventy-two patients underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer; 340 were LTS. One hundred thirty-seven patients of the 238 eligible to complete the survey responded (response rate: 58%). Compared to the US general population, LTS reported significantly higher QOL (75 vs 64; P <0.001), less nausea/vomiting, pain, dyspnea, insomnia, appetite loss, and constipation, but more diarrhea (all P <0.001). Most patients (n=136/137, 99%) reported experiencing postoperative GI symptoms related to pancreatic insufficiency (n=71/135, 53%), reflux (n=61/135, 45%), and delayed gastric emptying (n=31/136, 23%). Most patients (n=113/136, 83%) reported that digestive symptoms overall had little to no impact on QOL, and 91% (n=124/136) would undergo surgery again.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite known long-term complications following pancreatoduodenectomy, cancer survivors appear to have excellent QOL. Specific long-term gastrointestinal symptoms data should be utilized for preoperative education and follow-up planning.

Assessing the long-term priorities of pancreaticoduodenectomy survivors

BACKGROUND

This study assessed the long-term quality of life (QOL) and priorities of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) survivors.

METHODS

Survivors were surveyed via internet-based support groups. The relative importance of longevity, experience, costs, and QOL were assessed.

RESULTS

The PD cohort (n = 247, 35%) was 60 ± 12 years, 71% female, and 93% white. With moderate agreement, patients ranked survival most important, followed by functional and emotional well-being; costs and experience were least important (W = 35.7%, p < 0.001). Well-being improved throughout survivorship (P-QOL: 39 ± 12 at ≤3 mo vs 43 ± 12 at >10 y, p = 0.170; M-QOL: 38 ± 13 at ≤3 mo vs 44 ± 16 at >10 y; p = 0.015) but remained below the general population (p < 0.001). PD patients with benign diagnoses ranked functional independence as most important (2.00 ± 1.13 vs 2.63 ± 1.19, p < 0.001, W = 41.1%); PD patients with malignant diagnoses regarded overall survival most important (2.10 ± 1.20 vs 1.82 ± 1.22, p < 0.16, W = 35.1%). The mean rank order of priorities remained concordant between short-term (<1 year) and long-term (>5 years) survivors.

CONCLUSION

PD survivors experience long-term mental and physical health impairments, underscoring the importance of functional and emotional support. Survivors place paramount importance on overall survival, functional independence, and emotional well-being. Cancer survivors prioritize longevity, while survivors of chronic benign conditions prioritize functional independence.

Long-term quality of life is better after laparoscopic compared to open pancreatoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Three randomized controlled trials have reported improved functional recovery after Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD), as compared to open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD). Long-term results regarding quality of life (QoL) are lacking. The aim of this study was to compare long-term QoL of LPD versus OPD.

METHODS AND PATIENTS

A monocentric retrospective cross-sectional study was performed among patients < 75 years old who underwent LPD or OPD for a benign or premalignant pathology in a high-volume center (2011-2021). An electronic three-part questionnaire was sent to eligible patients, including two diseases specific QoL questionnaires (the European Organization for Research and Treatment in Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire for cancer (QLQ-C30) and a pancreatic cancer module (PAN26) and a body image questionnaire. Patient demographics and postoperative data were collected and compared between LPD and OPD.

RESULTS

Among 948 patients who underwent PD (137 LPD, 811 OPD), 170 were eligible and 111 responded (58 LPD and 53 OPD). LPD versus OPD showed no difference in mean age (51 vs. 55 years, p = 0.199) and female gender (40% vs. 45%, p = 0.631), but LPD showed lower BMI (24 vs 26; p = 0.028) and higher preoperative pancreatitis (29% vs 13%; p = 0.041). The postoperative outcome showed similar Clavien-Dindo ≥ III morbidity (19% vs. 23%; p = 0.343) and length of stay (24 vs. 21 days, p = 0.963). After a similar median follow-up (3 vs. 3 years; p = 0.122), LPD vs OPD patients reported higher QoL (QLQ-C30: 49.6 vs 56.3; p = 0.07), better pancreas specific health status score (PAN20: 50.5 vs 55.5; p = 0.002), physical functioning (p = 0.002), and activities limitations (p = 0.02). Scar scores were better after LPD regarding esthetics (p = 0.001), satisfaction (p = 0.04), chronic pain at rest (p = 0.036), moving (p = 0.011) or in daily activities (p = 0.02). There was no difference in digestive symptoms (p = 0.995).

CONCLUSION

This monocentric study found improved long-term QoL in patients undergoing LPD, as compared to OPD, for benign and premalignant diseases. These results could be considered when choosing the surgical approach in these patients.

A Clinical Guide to the Management of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms: the Need for a More Graded Approach in Clinical Decision-making

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) have become a very common diagnosis and represent a spectrum of disease that ranges from benign to malignant lesions. Presently, clinical and radiographic features are used to predict the presence of high-grade dysplasia and invasive cancer to inform treatment decisions of whether to pursuit surgical resection or continued surveillance. However, the natural history of IPMNs is still not completely understood, with guidelines from different societies providing contradictory recommendations. This underscores the challenge in balancing the risk of missing cancer with long-term surveillance and the morbidity associated with surgical resection. In this review, we aim to reconcile the differences in the guidelines' recommendations and provide a clinical framework to the management of IPMNs with hopes of adding clarity to how treatment decisions should be made. We also highlight recent advances made in the field and future efforts that can minimize rates of missing cancer while also reducing the number of unnecessary operations.

Profile of the Postoperative Care Provided for Patients With Pancreatic and Periampullary Cancers by Family and Unpaid Caregivers

PURPOSE

Patients with pancreatic and periampullary cancers may experience significant reduction in their quality of life and often rely on family and unpaid caregivers for assistance after surgery. However, as caregivers are not systematically identified, little is known about the nature, difficulty, and personal demands of assistance they provide. We aim to assess the frequency and difficulty of specific assistance caregivers provide and identify potential interventions that could alleviate the caregiving demands.

METHODS

This was a prospective, multi-institutional study of caregivers accompanying patients with periampullary and pancreatic cancer at their 1-month postpancreatectomy office visit. An instrument that drew heavily on the National Study of Caregiving was administered to caregivers.

RESULTS

Of 240 caregivers, more than half (58.3%) of caregivers were the patients' spouse, a quarter (25.8%) were daughters or sons, 12.9% other relatives, and 2.9% nonrelatives. Caregivers least frequently provided assistance with transportation (14.6% every day) and most frequently provided assistance with housework (65.0% every day, P = .003) and diet (56.5% every day, P = .004). Caregivers reported the least difficulty helping patients with exercise (1.5% somewhat difficult). Caregivers reported significantly more difficulty with assisting with housework (14.5% somewhat difficult, P < .001) and diet (14.9% somewhat difficult, P < .001). Caregivers identified the immediate postpancreatectomy and early discharge periods as the most stressful phases. They also reported having received very little information about available services that could have supported their efforts.

CONCLUSION

Caregivers of patients with periampullary or pancreatic cancer provide considerable assistance in the postoperative period and many reported difficulty in assisting with housework and diet. Work is needed to better prepare and support caregivers to better enable them to adequately care for patients with pancreas and periampullary cancer.

Assessment of Caregivers' Burden When Caring for Patients With Pancreatic and Periampullary Cancer

BACKGROUND

Family and other unpaid caregivers play an active role in the recovery of individuals with pancreatic and periampullary cancer after pancreatectomy. However, little is known about caregivers' experiences and how to better support them.

METHODS

Caregivers accompanying patients to 1-month postpancreatectomy visits at 3 hospitals completed an electronic survey between November 2018 and February 2020. We examine measures of absenteeism and work productivity loss among the subset of caregivers who reported working for pay and comparatively assess caregiver experiences by employment status. All analyses were performed as 2-sided tests.

RESULTS

Of 265 caregivers approached for study participation, 240 (90.6%) enrolled. Caregivers were primarily female (70.8% female, 29.2% male) and spouses (58.3%) or adult children (25.8%) of patients, with a median age of 60 years. Of the 240 caregivers included in the study, 107 (44.6%) worked for pay. Nearly half (44.4%) of working caregivers reported being absent from work because of caregiving amounting to a 14% loss in work hours. While at work, 58.9% of working caregivers reported increased work difficulty as a result of caregiving. Taken together, an estimated 59.7% loss in work productivity was experienced because of caregiving in the month following pancreatectomy. After adjustment for sociodemographic factors, working (vs nonworking) caregivers reported increased financial (odds ratio [OR] = 2.32; P = .04) and emotional (OR = 1.93; P = .04) difficulties and daily activity restrictions (OR = 1.85; P = .048).

CONCLUSIONS

Working caregivers of patients with pancreatic and periampullary cancer experience negative impacts on work and productivity, and caregiving-related financial and emotional difficulties may be amplified. This study highlights the need for workplace policies to support unpaid cancer caregiving.

Quality of Life Associated with Open vs Minimally Invasive Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Prospective Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

This prospective study was designed to compare quality of life (QoL) among patients who underwent open (O-PD) vs minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (MI-PD), using a combination of validated qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

STUDY DESIGN

From 2017 to 2019, patients scheduled for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) were enrolled and presented with Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Hepatobiliary surveys preoperatively, before discharge, at first postoperative visit and approximately 3 to 4 months after operation ("3 months"). Longitudinal plots of median QoL scores were used to illustrate change in each score over time. In a subset of patients, content analysis of semistructured interviews at postoperative time points (1.5 to 6 months after operation) was conducted.

RESULTS

Among 56 patients who underwent PD, 33 had an O-PD (58.9%). Physical and functional scores decreased in the postoperative period but returned to baseline by 3 months. No significant differences were found in any domains of QoL at baseline and in the postoperative period between patients who underwent O-PD and MI-PD. Qualitative findings were concordant with quantitative data (n = 14). Patients with O-PD and MI-PD reported similar experiences with complications, pain, and wound healing in the postoperative period. Approximately half the patients in both groups reported "returning to normal" in the 6-month postoperative period. A total of 4 patients reported significant long-term issues with physical and functional well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a novel combination of qualitative and quantitative analyses in patients undergoing PD, we found no association between operative approach and QoL in patients who underwent O-PD vs MI-PD. Given the increasing use of minimally invasive techniques for PD and the steep learning curve associated with these techniques, continued assessment of patient benefit is critical.