Palliative Management of Gastric and Esophageal Cancer.

Alison L Halpern, Martin D McCarter

Journal: The Surgical clinics of North America 2019;99(3):555-569

PMID: 31047042

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

In patients with advanced esophageal or gastric cancer, it is highly likely that palliation of symptoms will become a focus of treatment. Dysphagia and obstruction are the most common complaints, and many of these patients can be treated with endoscopic interventions to alleviate symptoms. Bleeding, perforation, and nutritional issues are common problems. Attempts at palliation should be guided by thoughtful discussions regarding patients' goals of care. Owing to the high morbidity and mortality in patients with limited life expectancy, a strategy of working from the least invasive to the most invasive interventions should be guided by the patient's goals.

Address: Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12631 East 17th Avenue, C302, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.; Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12631 East 17th Avenue, C302, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2019.02.007

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MeSH Terms: Argon Plasma Coagulation, Brachytherapy, Chemoradiotherapy, Cryosurgery, Deglutition Disorders, Dilatation, Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal, Esophageal Neoplasms, Ethanol, Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage, Humans, Intestinal Obstruction, Intestinal Perforation, Laser Therapy, Neoplasm Staging, Nutritional Support, Palliative Care, Photochemotherapy, Sclerosing Solutions, Sclerotherapy, Self Expandable Metallic Stents, Stomach Neoplasms