Patients Report Higher Quality of Life Than Expected - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

AORN Journal, March, 2000

Patients who survive pancreaticoduodenectomy report a high quality of life--contrary to what many physicians believe, according to a Jan 11, 2000, Johns Hopkins press release. Researchers mailed surveys to patients who underwent surgery to remove the head of their pancreas, part of the small intestine, and part of the bile ducts--the most commonly performed procedure to treat pancreatic cancer. Patients who underwent laparoscopic gallbladder surgery and a group of healthy individuals also received the survey.

Participants rated their physical abilities, psychological issues, social issues, and functional capabilities and disabilities as a percentage, with 100% being the highest score. Responses from 188 pancreaticoduodenectomy patients, 37 gallbladder patients, and 31 healthy individuals showed, on average, they rated their physical quality of life at 79%, 83%, and 86%, respectively. For psychological issues, pancreaticoduodenectomy patients rated their quality of life at 79%, gallbladder patients rated it at 82%, and healthy participants rated it at 83%. Social quality of life ranked highest for pancreaticoduodenectomy patients at 81% compared with 84% for gallbladder patients, and 83% for healthy participants, according to the release. One researcher said besides proving that patients' quality of life is nearly normal after surgery, many patients resumed their regular daily activities after the procedure.

Whipple Patients: Life after Surgery, (press release, Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Jan 11, 2000) 1-2. Available from http://www.newswise.com/articles/2000/1/WHIPPLE.JHM.html. Accessed 19 Jan 2000.