Abstract
BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has shown potential benefits in reducing postoperative complications and improving recovery for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study aims to assess the effects of MIE on preoperative and postoperative quality of life and functional outcomes in ESCC patients. METHODS: Clinical data from 57 ESCC patients who underwent MIE were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline characteristics, including age, gender, BMI, TNM stage, smoking history, alcohol consumption, comorbidities, tumor location, differentiation, and lymph node metastasis, were collected. Postoperative quality of life scores, nutritional status, and functional outcomes were assessed. Paired t-tests and chi-square tests were used to compare preoperative and postoperative variables, while correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate associations between functional outcomes and quality of life. RESULTS: A total of 57 patients (41 males, 16 females; mean age: 67.61 ± 7.72 years) who underwent MIE were analyzed. Postoperative evaluation demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life scores across multiple dimensions, including physical symptoms (P = 0.006), emotional management (P = 0.013), role function (P = 0.013), cognitive function (P = 0.042), and social function (P = 0.021). Additionally, nutritional status improved postoperatively, with higher albumin levels (4.12 ± 0.34 g/dL vs. 3.78 ± 0.25 g/dL, P < 0.001) and reduced weight loss (1.98 ± 1.02 kg vs. 2.44 ± 1.12 kg, P = 0.026). Functional outcomes also showed significant improvements, including decreased dysphagia scores (3.45 ± 1.56 vs. 4.04 ± 0.31, P = 0.008), while cardiac physical activity and respiratory function remained stable (P > 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated significant associations between specific functional outcomes and quality of life (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: MIE improves quality of life, nutritional status, and functional outcomes in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, highlighting its potential benefits in postoperative recovery and patient well-being. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.