Factors that affect early postoperative health-related quality of life in patients with gastrointestinal cancer: a three-center cohort study

[Purpose] In this study, we investigated the preoperative and early postoperative health-related quality of life in patients who underwent surgical treatment for gastrointestinal cancer and also the factors that affect postoperative health-related quality of life. [Participants and Methods] The study included 198 patients who underwent elective surgery for gastrointestinal cancer (129 males and 69 females, age: 65.4 ± 11.8 years). Health-related quality of life was evaluated using the Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey version 2 at the following time points: 1–2 days preoperatively (baseline) and 4 weeks postoperatively. [Results] Compared with baseline levels, physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality, as well as physical, social, and emotional role functioning significantly decreased 4 weeks postoperatively. In contrast, compared with baseline levels, mental health significantly improved 4 weeks postoperatively. Physical functioning and general health evaluated 4 weeks postoperatively were significantly associated with income, baseline health-related quality of life, and the 6-minute walk test. [Conclusion] It is important to consider baseline income and health-related quality of life and increase postoperative exercise capacity to improve health-related quality of life in patients who undergo surgical treatment for gastrointestinal cancer.