Indications and use of palliative surgery: Results of Society of Surgical Oncology survey

Laurence E. McCahill, Robert Krouse, David Chu, Gloria Juarez, Gwen C. Uman, Betty Ferrell, Lawrence D. Wagman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

95 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Despite increasing attention to end-of-life care in oncology, palliative surgery (PS) remains poorly defined. A survey to test the definition, assess the extent of use, and evaluate attitudes and goals of surgeons regarding PS was devised. Methods: A survey of Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) members. Results: 419 SSO members completed a 110-item survey. Surgeons estimated 21% of their cancer surgeries as palliative in nature. Forty-three percent of respondents felt PS was best defined based on pre-operative intent, 27% based on post-operative factors, and 30% on patient prognosis. Only 43% considered estimated patient survival time an important factor in defining PS, and 22% considered 5-year survival rate important. The vast majority (95%) considered tumor still evident following surgery in a patient with poor prognosis constituted PS. Most surgeons felt PS could be procedures due to generalized illness related to cancer (80%) or related to cancer treatment complications (76%). Patient symptom relief and pain relief were identified as the two most important goals in PS, with increased survival the least important. Conclusion: PS is a major portion of surgical oncology practice. Quality-of-life parameters, not patient survival, were identified as the most important goals of PS.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)104-112
Number of pages9
JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Oncology

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