Patient Perceptions of Decision-making and Quality-of-life Following Surgical Resection of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Background: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a highly lethal disease, with surgery, the only opportunity for cure, accompanied by high rates of morbidity. Understanding patients’ lived experiences after surgical resection of PDAC is critical to knowing whether the decision to undergo surgery was worth it for these patients. Methods: We performed a convergent, mixed-methods study with patients who underwent resection of PDAC between January 1, 2019, and January 8, 2020. Quantitative data (medical record review and 3 questionnaires) were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data (semistructured interviews) were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Data were then compared for congruence. Results: Eighteen of 22 eligible participants completed interviews and 11 completed questionnaires. Data collection occurred at a median of 14.2 months (IQR 11.6–16.3) from surgery. We identified 4 main themes. First, persistent negative symptoms were common for patients, but patients adapt to these and are satisfied with their “new normal.” Second, patients have varied and continually evolving mindsets throughout their cancer journey. Third, despite decreased quality-of-life, patients have a high degree of satisfaction with their decision to pursue surgery. Finally, patients were okay with a passive role in decision-making around surgery. Despite variable involvement in decision-making and outcomes, no participants reported regret over the decision to pursue surgery. Discussion: This nuanced account of patients’ lived experiences following surgery for PDAC allows for an improved understanding of the impact of pancreatic resection on patients. Surgeons can use these data to improve preoperative counseling for patients with PDAC and help guide them to making the correct decisions about surgery.