[Comparative study of the quality of life after stomach resection]

In the present study, 195 patients, following total gastrectomy (n = 105) or subtotal gastric resection (n = 90) for carcinoma without evidence of recurrence, were examined with regard to their quality of life using the Gastrointestinal Quality-of-Life Index (GLQI). After subtotal gastric resection patients achieved statistically significant better scores concerning disease-therapy-related symptoms and physical functions, resulting in a better overall score (p < 0.02). However, it seems to be questionable whether these statistically significant differences are of clinical relevance in the patient's daily life. Preservation of the gastric stump with the aim of improving postoperative quality of life should never be allowed to compromise oncological radicality.