POST OPERATIVE QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH COLORECTAL CARCINOMA

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in India. Early detection and improved treatment options available today has let more people live with the consequences of colorectal cancer surgery. Hence the need arises to measure quality of life. However little is known about how it changes with time after surgery. Here we report an observational study conducted from June 2016- July2018 in a tertiary care hospital to assess how the quality of life of operated patients with colorectal cancer changes with time. A structured questionnaire was prepared in accordance with study objectives and its relevance tested by a pilot study. 50 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the study, followed up at one month and 3 months with the questionnaire and the results were evaluated using chi-square test, P-value. We concluded that overall quality of life of colorectal Cancer patients becomes stabilized about three months after the operation though few patients still experience symptoms like constipation and diarrhoea. Hence Patients must be preoperatively counselled so that they are better prepared to cope up with the new situation. Also that quality of life data is helpful to improve after care of the patients, to plan what interventions are needed post operatively and to help patients anticipate side-effects.

Keywords: Colorectal carcinoma, Quality of life