The correlation between common postoperative complications and quality of life, serum tumor markers, and prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND: Esophageal cancer (EC) is highly malignant, with poor prognosis. The main forms of treatment are surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. In recent years, the incidence and mortality rate of patients with EC has improved. However, the factors that affect the quality of life of EC patients are unclear. This study investigated the postoperative complications and quality of life of EC patients, and identified the related factors. The relationship between complications and quality of life was explored so as to provide guidance for the clinical treatment and rehabilitation these patients. METHODS: A total of 120 patients with EC who underwent surgery at the First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang from January 2016 to August 2017 were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The patient’s subjective quality of life evaluation was documented and clinical data were collated. The correlation between the incidence of postoperative complications and the patient’s quality of life, serum tumor markers, and prognosis was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 36 (30%) EC patients experienced postoperative complications. There were 12 cases of pulmonary complications (10%), 8 cases of arrhythmia (6.67%), 3 cases of anastomotic fistula (2.5%), 5 cases of pneumothorax and pleural effusion (4.17%), and 4 cases of gastroesophageal reflux (3.33%). Incision infection occurred in 2 patients (1.67%) and there was 1 case (0.83%) of chylothorax. Empyema was reported in 1 patient (0.83%). There were significant differences in the overall condition, physical function, fatigue, pain, and swallowing pain between patients with postoperative complications and those without complications (P<0.05). Preoperative and postoperative expression of the tumor marker CYFRA21-1 was found to be independent risk factors for postoperative complications after EC surgery. CONCLUSIONS: EC is a common malignant tumor with a high incidence of postoperative complications. Patients with high CYFRA21-1 expression should be aware of the higher risk of postoperative complications. Patients with complications have poorer quality of life and obvious symptoms of fatigue, pain, and swallowing pain. Health education and dietary guidance should be provided to such patients to improve their symptoms.