Evaluation of Quality of Life in Gastric Cancer Patients Undergoing Different Surgical Reconstruction Methods. A Comparative Study using the EORTC QLQ-STO22 Questionnaire.

[BACKGROUND] Gastric cancer remains a major global health burden. Beyond oncologic outcomes, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is increasingly recognized as a critical endpoint influenced by the reconstruction method after gastrectomy.

[METHODS] A prospective observational study was conducted between December 2021 and December 2024 at the Emergency County Hospital of Targu Mures, Romania, including 150 patients undergoing curative-intent gastrectomy. Patients were divided into two groups: gastroduodenal anastomosis (Billroth I, n=72) and gastrojejunal anastomosis (Billroth II/Roux-en-Y, n = 78). HRQoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-STO22 preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Scores were linearly transformed to a 0 - 100 scale. Statistical analysis was performed with EasyMedStat

[RESULTS] The mean age was 61 years, with similar baseline characteristics. Postoperative complications occurred in 32.0% of patients, mostly grade I - II. Both groups showed deterioration in dysphagia, pain, reflux, and anxiety at 3 months, followed by partial recovery at 6 months. Reflux scores were consistently higher in the gastrojejunal group at all timepoints (baseline 26.1 vs. 17.6; 3 months 36.5 vs. 24.5; 6 months 27.2 vs. 14.7; p 0.001). Eating restrictions were also greater at 3 and 6 months.

[CONCLUSIONS] Both reconstruction methods impair short-term HRQoL, with partial recovery by 6 months. Gastrojejunal reconstruction is associated with higher reflux and eating restrictions, whereas gastroduodenal reconstruction shows more favorable functional outcomes.