OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine the perceived quality of life and symptom impact in a group of patients who underwent surgery for cancer of the stomach or esophagus. DESIGN: Non-experimental, correlational YEARS, POPULATION, SAMPLE, SETTING: The population consists of patients who have had either gastric or esophageal surgery for cancer from 1992 to present. This convenience sample is being obtained from patient lists in the Oncology Center at a Midwest, academic medical center. The patients must be English speaking, able to read and write, and they must have had surgery at least 3 months previously. We have currently enrolled 30 patients and anticipate a sample size of 100. CONCEPTS OR VARIABLES STUDIED TOGETHER OR INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME VARIABLE(S): Quality of life and symptom frequency, intensity, and distress are all relevant concepts to explore in patients who have undergone gastroesophageal surgery for cancer. Although past studies have resulted in incomplete information related to symptom experience and perceived quality of life, evidence exists that quality of life may be negatively impacted by distressful symptoms. METHODS: Cantril's Self-Anchoring Life Satisfaction Ladder (Cantril, 1965) will measure life satisfaction, 5 years ago, present, and 5 years into the future. Content validity and reliability has been reported and is acceptable. The Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GQLI) (Eypasch et al., 1995) will measure health-related quality of life for general gastrointestinal problems. Psychometric properties of the GQLI were extensively tested and demonstrate acceptable construct validity and internal consistency. The Life After Gastric Surgery (LAGS) (Spector, Hicks & Pickleman), (in press) (2002) was developed to complement the GQLI by targeting specific symptoms that patients may experience after gastroesophageal surgery. This tool measures symptom frequency, distress, and intensity, thus being the first instrument to address symptom distress in this population. Based on a pilot study, the LAGS demonstrated adequate internal consistency and concurrent validity. FINDINGS: Currently we are collecting chart review data and will be mailing questionnaires to patients in April, 2002. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the data will begin in May, 2002. IMPLICATIONS: This study has the potential to extend the current body of literature related to life experience after gastroesophageal surgery in that it conceptualizes life satisfaction as an overall evaluation of one's past, present, and future expectations of life and relates this to disease-specific facets that may affect quality of life. Additionally, these results may provide direction for future nursing interventions, especially in the areas of teaching-learning and symptom management.
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