A prospective, symptom related, outcomes analysis of 1022 palliative procedures for advanced cancer Journal Article


Authors: Miner, T. J.; Brennan, M. F.; Jaques, D. P.
Article Title: A prospective, symptom related, outcomes analysis of 1022 palliative procedures for advanced cancer
Abstract: Objective: To prospectively evaluate surgical procedures performed with palliative intent. Summary Background Data: There is a paucity of outcomes data necessary to allow sound surgical decision-making and informed consent for palliative procedures. Methods: Procedures to palliate symptoms of advanced cancer were identified prospectively from all operations performed. Patients were observed for >90 days or until death. Resutls: There were 1022 palliative procedures performed in 823 patients from July 2002 to June 2003. Operative (713/1022) or endoscopic (309/1022) procedures were performed for gastrointestinal obstruction (34%), neurologic symptoms (23%), pain (12%), dyspnea (9%), jaundice (7%) or other symptoms (15%). Symptom improvement or resolution within 30 days was achieved in 80% (659/823). Median duration of symptom control was 135 days. Recurrence of the primary symptom occurred in 25% (165/659) while treatment of debilitating additional symptoms was required in 29% (191/659). Palliative procedures were associated with 30-day postoperative morbidity (29%) and mortality (11%). A major postoperative complication reduced the probability of symptom improvement to 17%. Median survival was 194 days from the time of the palliative procedure and was adversely associated with poor performance status (ECOG ≥ 2 [P < 0.001] or NCI fatigue score of ≥1 [P < 0.001]), poor nutrition (albumin <3.5 [P = 0.005] or significant weight loss [P = 0.003]), and no previous cancer therapy (P = 0.002). Conclusions: In carefully selected patients, relief of symptoms following palliative procedures can be expected, but new or recurrent symptoms limit durability. Potential benefits are minimized by postoperative complications and are less predictable for patients with poor performance status, malnutrition and no prior cancer therapy.
Keywords: adult; treatment outcome; aged; aged, 80 and over; middle aged; survival analysis; major clinical study; fatigue; fistula; advanced cancer; conference paper; follow-up studies; prospective studies; neoplasms; cancer palliative therapy; palliative care; pain; anemia; bleeding; weight loss; recurrence; dyspnea; postoperative complications; karnofsky performance status; ileostomy; colon resection; gastrectomy; jaundice; intestine obstruction; intestinal obstruction; malnutrition; endoscopy; gastrostomy; small intestine resection; gastrojejunostomy; central nervous system diseases; bile duct bypass; humans; human; male; female; priority journal
Journal Title: Annals of Surgery
Volume: 240
Issue: 4
ISSN: 0003-4932
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins  
Date Published: 2004-10-01
Start Page: 719
End Page: 727
Language: English
DOI: 10.1097/01.sla.0000141707.09312.dd
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC1356473
PUBMED: 15383799
DOI/URL:
Notes: Ann. Surg. -- Cited By (since 1996):70 -- Export Date: 16 June 2014 -- CODEN: ANSUA -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Thomas Miner
    12 Miner
  2. Murray F Brennan
    1059 Brennan
  3. David P Jaques
    66 Jaques