ASO Author Reflections: Understanding Surgeon Perspectives on the Management of Aborted Cancer Surgery

Excerpt

Surgical resection is a crucial part of the multimodal, curative-intent treatment of most solid organ cancers. Unfortunately, despite careful and detailed preoperative evaluation, the intended operation is at times unexpectedly aborted, most frequently as a result of occult metastatic disease or tumor unresectability. Aborted cancer surgery (ACS) is common and associated with worse short- and long-term outcomes for patients.¹ In addition, patients have distinct and complex care needs after ACS, marked by the psychosocial distress resulting from a sudden change in prognosis, uncertainty about the next course of treatment, and any residual side effects of the tumor left in situ.² A recent qualitative analysis of patients’ experience after ACS highlights its impact on multiple quality-of-life domains. In addition to postoperative symptoms, the patients in this study reported a wide range of emotional symptoms, expressed the impact of unsuccessful surgery on their loved ones, and relied on a range of coping strategies including supportive care while recovering.³ Despite these unique and complex care needs, little is known about the optimal approach to their management. In this context, the current study sought to characterize perspectives, priorities, and practice patterns of an international cohort of cancer surgeons on patient care after ACS. These data are important for informing patient-centered interventions and may suggest the possible need for specialized care providers to support patient care needs after ACS. …