Original article Experiences and expectations of patients after oesophageal cancer surgery: an explorative study E.M.L. VERSCHUUR, rn, msc1 , E.W. STEYERBERG, phd2 , E.J. KUIPERS, md, phd3 , M.-L. ESSINK-BOT, md, phd4 , K.T.C. TRAN, md5 , A. VAN DER GAAST, md, phd6 , H.W. TILANUS, md, phd7 , & P.D. SIERSEMA, md, phd8 We investigated which problems patients experience after resection for oesophageal cancer and what care they expect, in order to devise a better-tailored follow-up policy. Thirty patients, all within 1 year after surgery, filled in a one-time questionnaire on experienced physical, psychological and social problems and on expected care for these problems. Additionally, a semi-structured interview was performed. Frequencies of experienced problems and expected care over time were analysed. The majority of patients experienced physical problems such as 'early satiety' (97%) and 'fatigue' (84%) after oesophagectomy. In addition, patients often felt depressed (64%), were afraid of metastases (80%) and death (47%). Over time, the frequency of problems such as 'fatigue' (P = 0.035) and 'being dependent' (P = 0.012) decreased. Patients particularly expected professional care for physical issues related to their disease, whereas they often managed psychosocial problems in their own social network. Patients indicated that nurses' involvement during follow-up might improve their possibility to satisfactorily deal with problems. Patients frequently experience physical problems after oesophagectomy, and professional care is expected for these issues. Psychosocial problems are also present, but care is less commonly expected. Nurses' involvement during follow-up could be a way to optimize patients' management after oesophageal cancer surgery. European Journal of Cancer Care Volume 15 Page 324 - September 2006 doi:10.1111/j.1365-2354.2006.00659.x Volume 15 Issue 4 Plasma DNA level reliable marker recurrent esophageal ca J Am College of Surgeons, July 2008 Omega-3 EPA preserves muscle mass AFTER Surgery Annals of Surgery, March 2009 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.