193 Understanding Desires and Expectations Around Dietary Progression Following Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery

Abstract Aim Best practice guidelines for the reintroduction of oral diet following oesophagectomy and total gastrectomy (TG) are undetermined. Whilst the safety of early oral feeding post-surgery has been positively acclaimed, individuals’ experiences of dietary reintroduction post-surgery have not been comprehensively investigated. This study aimed to investigate individual perspectives surrounding oral diet following these surgeries. Method Individuals who had undergone an oesophagectomy or TG related to cancer, in the UK within the NHS, were recruited via patient support organisations. A questionnaire, followed by in-depth, semi-structured interviews and focus-groups were conducted. Results Forty-six participants completed the questionnaire. Thirty-nine participants had undergone an oesophagectomy, whilst seven had undergone a TG. Participants would have preferred the reintroduction of food at a slightly faster pace to what they had experienced; 29.3% of participants would have preferred the initiation of pureed or soft foods as early as 2-3 days post-surgery. 93.5% of participants would have been open to reintroducing solid foods earlier, provided it was safe. 68.2% of participants deemed it extremely-, or somewhat- important to return to regular diet promptly post-surgery. Overall, diet was perceived as fundamental for individuals’ physical and psychological recovery post-surgery. “I think the sooner you can get onto [normal food], it's better for your well-being… You feel more confident and… normal again. You feel as though you’re getting better.” Conclusions Participant preferences focused on faster initiation and progression of oral diet post-surgery, guided by highly personalised dietetic input. The benefits of patient-led dietary reintroduction were highlighted, to account for variabilities to individual experiences of surgery.