Previous research on the quality of life (QOL) following lung cancer surgery has noted persistent postoperative symptoms. First, researchers thoroughly analyzed QOL in lung cancer surgery patients. The link between symptom load and quality of life (QOL) was the subject of a subgroup study. For a study, they sought to conduct a qualitative assessment of literature addressing the symptom load in patients having surgical resection for lung cancer.
The parent systematic review examined measures often used to assess the overall quality of life (QOL) and symptom experiences following lung cancer surgery, as well as search phrases for symptoms, functional status, and well-being. The 54 publications that looked at symptom load were assessed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine scoring system, and their findings were thematically examined.
Studies measuring the severity of symptoms in patients having surgery for lung cancer have been published at a higher rate throughout time. About 14 papers (cohort studies or case-control) had evidence quality levels of 2 or 3, and the rest 40 articles (case series) had a level 4. The Short Form 36 and 12, the Quality of Life Questionnaire developed by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score were the most frequently utilized QOL tools. The thematic analysis produced many important conclusions: The following facts about lung cancer surgery patients were true: they had a high symptom burden before and after surgery; the most frequently studied symptoms were pain, dyspnea, cough, fatigue, depression, and anxiety; having symptoms prior to surgery was a significant risk factor for higher acuity of symptoms and persistence after surgery, and symptom burden was a predictor of postoperative QOL.
Surgery for lung cancer patients results in a substantial symptom load that lowers QOL. Instruments used in measurement methods are many and diverse. To enhance patient experience and overall results, further research is required to standardize symptom load assessment and management.
Reference: jpsmjournal.com/article/S0885-3924(22)00744-8/fulltext
