Lived experiences of eating after esophagectomy: a phenomenological study

Esophagectomy is the most common treatment for esophageal cancer (Pierie, Goedegebuure, Schuerman, & Leguit, 2000). Dysphagia is the most common symptom, after esophagectomy (Easterling et al., 2000; Ludwig, Thirlby, & Low, 2001; Pierie et al., 2000; Verschuur et al., 2006). The aim of this study was to describe patients' experiences of eating after esophagectomy.

A phenomenology approach was used to describe and understand eating experiences after esophagectomy.

Three major categories of experiences were extrapolated from informant verbal reports: physical, psychosocial, and psychological. Within these categories main themes were identified and included gastrointestinal feelings, fear of going home, and positive feelings toward eating.

Most patients may not be able to eat exactly as they did prior to their operation (Ludwig et al., 2001). Findings from this study illustrate patients should be provided with a diet they perceive as socially acceptable with minimal eating discomforts.