ABSTRACT
Quality of life (QOL) is usually defined as a construct that reflects the individual perception of overall well-being (1). There is more and more recognition of the importance of topics addressing QOL issues of patients with neoplasms. QOL is assessed in an effort to improve treatment modalities, to promote restoration of patient’s daily functioning, and to accelerate his/her return to normal life. Estimation of the influence of surgical procedures on QOL can serve as a mean by which the most appropriate surgical approach can be selected for a given patient. Detailed understanding of the different aspects of QOL may help surgeons improve assessment andmanagement of patients, identify specific impediments as early as possible during follow-up, and apply specific medical interventions to patients with increased risk and poor outcome (1). Furthermore, early access of patients to detailed information about their disease can lead to better adjustment to an imminentmedical condition.Amultidimensional evaluation of QOL involves retrieving information on the physical, emotional, social, and economical aspects of the patient’s lifestyle, as well as on specific symptoms associated with the patient’s disease. Valid interpretation of the data requires generic questionnaires or disease-specific instruments, which cover the morbidity associated with the site of neoplasia and its treatment (2).
