Our Summary

This study looked at how the quality of life (QOL) of non-small cell lung cancer patients changed before and after they underwent a specific type of surgery called video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The researchers used a questionnaire called the 5-level EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D-5L) to measure QOL.

The study found that the QOL scores of patients dropped after surgery. In particular, patients reported having more difficulty controlling pain following the operation. The study also found that patients with lower QOL scores before surgery had longer operation times and more bleeding during surgery compared to patients with higher QOL scores before surgery.

The researchers concluded that using the EQ-5D-5L QOL survey is a good way to identify potential issues that medical teams may face when treating lung cancer patients. They also suggested that a low QOL score before surgery might be a sign that the operation could take longer and involve more bleeding.

FAQs

  1. What type of surgery was the study focused on for non-small cell lung cancer patients?
  2. How did the quality of life scores of patients change before and after surgery according to the study?
  3. How might a low QOL score before surgery affect the operation based on the study’s findings?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lung surgery is to talk to your healthcare team about any concerns or questions you have before the procedure. It is important to communicate openly with your doctors and nurses so they can provide you with the best care possible and address any issues that may arise during or after surgery. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up appointments are crucial for a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients with non-small cell lung cancer who are candidates for surgery, specifically video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), may be recommended for lung surgery. Additionally, patients who are experiencing symptoms such as difficulty controlling pain or have lower quality of life scores before surgery may also be recommended for lung surgery. However, it is important for medical teams to assess each individual case to determine if surgery is the best course of action for the patient.

Timeline

Before lung surgery:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to assess their overall health and fitness for surgery
  • Patient meets with their surgical team to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes
  • Patient may have breathing exercises or physical therapy to prepare for surgery
  • Patient may experience anxiety or stress leading up to the surgery date

After lung surgery:

  • Patient wakes up in the recovery room and may experience pain and discomfort
  • Patient may be on a ventilator to help with breathing initially
  • Patient may have drains in place to remove excess fluid from the surgical site
  • Patient begins physical therapy and breathing exercises to aid in recovery and prevent complications such as pneumonia
  • Patient may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, and difficulty with daily activities as they recover
  • Patient has follow-up appointments with their surgical team to monitor their progress and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about lung surgery include:

  1. What type of lung surgery is being recommended for me and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this type of surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process expected to be and what can I expect in terms of pain management?
  4. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after surgery?
  5. How will my quality of life be affected by the surgery and what support services are available to help me cope with any changes?
  6. Are there any specific factors about my health or medical history that may impact the success of the surgery?
  7. What is the experience and success rate of the surgical team in performing this type of procedure?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before undergoing surgery?
  9. How often will I need follow-up appointments and monitoring after surgery?
  10. How can I best prepare myself physically and mentally for the surgery and recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Koide R, Kikuchi A, Miyajima M, Mishina T, Takahashi Y, Okawa M, Sawada I, Nakajima J, Watanabe A, Mizuguchi T. Journal: Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2019 Dec;67(12):1056-1061. doi: 10.1007/s11748-019-01136-0. Epub 2019 May 16. PMID: 31098867