Life after lung lobectomy: The road to recovery and well-being - A descriptive study

Pulmonary lobectomy significantly impacts the quality of life (QOL) in lung cancer patients. This study investigates QOL in lung lobectomy patients, identifying challenges and influencing factors to inform strategies for improving care and outcomes and enhancing recovery and long-term well-being.

To assess the quality of life of patients who underwent lung lobectomy.

Using a descriptive study design, 50 patients who had undergone lung lobectomy at least 3 months before and were attending CTVS OPD at a tertiary hospital were enrolled consecutively. Apart from collecting the clinical and socio-demographic profiles of patients, the EORTC-QLQ-C30 scale was used to assess QOL of patients.

The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of the patients was 45.34 (15.19) years. Male patients outnumbered females (62%). The most common diagnosis was non-small cell lung cancer (28%). Around 18% of patients had a history of treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. The majority (76%) of patients had a higher QOL, with a mean (SD) score of 64.50 (19.27). Age and socioeconomic status were linked to fatigue and pain, respectively. Alcohol consumption history was associated with fatigue (P = 0.02), while smoking history was linked to pain (P = 0.04) and dyspnoea (P = 0.02), revealing significant correlations between lifestyle factors and postoperative symptoms. In addition, patients in the postoperative period of 3-6 months tended to have poorer QOL.

There is a need to plan comprehensive support, considering the age, health habits and socioeconomic status of patients to optimise recovery and QOL. Proper care and education can help patients adapt and make positive outcomes in post-surgery rehabilitation.