Quality of life and performance status after whipples surgery: experience from Sheikh Russel National Gastroliver Institute and Hospital

Abstract

Background: Whipple surgery, or pancreaticoduodenectomy, is a complex surgical procedure often performed to treat pancreatic and periampullary cancers. Quality of life (QOL) and performance status are critical metrics for assessing post-operative outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the QOL and performance status of patients after Whipple surgery in a tertiary care centre in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 64 patients who underwent Whipple surgery at the Sheikh Russel National Gastroliver Institute and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh between January 2021, and January 2023. The World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance scales were used to assess QOL and performance status, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Most participants were aged between 43 and 53 years, with a mean age of 54.66 years, and were predominantly male (64.06%). Most participants rated their physical health (34.37%) and psychological state (37.50%) as "good." Most patients (57.81%) experienced uneventful post-operative recovery. About (34.37%) was "restricted in strenuous work." Chemotherapy negatively impacted physical health (r=-0.198, p=0.02). Conclusions: The findings indicate that most patients experienced favourable outcomes in both QOL and performance status following Whipple surgery. The results underscore the importance of holistic patient care and highlight potential areas for clinical improvement and future research.