Gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders after oesophago-gastric cancer surgery: The RESTORE modified Delphi survey

Abstract

Background: Oesophago-gastric (OG) cancer surgery is life-changing with a significant impact on quality of life (QOL). OG cancer surgery reconfigures the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract altering its physiological function. Certain disorders such as anastomotic stricture are well recognised whereas others, such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, are increasingly being diagnosed. As multimodality treatment improves survival, more poly-symptomatic patients are living with these disorders as a consequence of surgery. We aimed to establish consensus on the definitions of relevant symptoms and disorders, as well as appropriate investigation and treatment. Standardisation will form a foundation for optimising QOL in this growing patient group.