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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 10/2013

01-10-2013 | Original Article

Struggling with food and eating—life after major upper gastrointestinal surgery

Authors: Sharon Carey, Rachel Laws, Suzie Ferrie, Jane Young, Margaret Allman-Farinelli

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 10/2013

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Abstract

Purpose

Few qualitative studies have explored patients' experience of food and eating following major upper gastrointestinal cancer surgery. The aim of this article was to explore the longer-term impact of different types of major upper gastrointestinal surgeries on people's relationship with food.

Methods

Twenty-six people having had major upper gastrointestinal cancer surgery greater than 6 months ago participated in semi-structured interviews. These interviews aimed to explore a person's physical, emotional and social relationship with food and eating following surgery. Interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach.

Results

Interview findings revealed a journey of adjustment, grieving and resignation. The physical symptoms and experiences of people differed between types of surgery, but the coping mechanisms remained the same.

Conclusions

The grieving and resignation people experienced suggest adjustment and coping similar to that of someone with a chronic illness. Remodeling of health services is needed to ensure this patient group receives ongoing management and support.
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Metadata
Title
Struggling with food and eating—life after major upper gastrointestinal surgery
Authors
Sharon Carey
Rachel Laws
Suzie Ferrie
Jane Young
Margaret Allman-Farinelli
Publication date
01-10-2013
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 10/2013
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-013-1858-8

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