The quality of life is sustained after operation for carcinoma of the esophagus.

An interview was conducted to determine the quality of life, both objectively and subjectively, in 64 patients without a recurrence of the disease more than one year after esophageal resection and reconstruction with a gastric tube for carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus. Despite the decrease in body weight, the patients appeared to be well adjusted and had a most optimistic attitude toward their illness. The laboratory data showed normal values, postoperatively. As there was no evidence of a diminished quality of life in these patients, we consider that physicians should recommend surgical therapy for patients with carcinoma of the esophagus.