Aim To ascertain from patients and their relatives the advice they would like to receive on dealing with the post-operative symptoms associated with oesophagectomy and gastrectomy. The findings would be used by the Oesophageal Patients Association to update its information booklet.

Method A literature review was undertaken to investigate what information is available. Qualitative methodology using focus groups with patients and healthcare professionals informed the study. The focus group proceedings were tape recorded and transcribed. Inductive thematic analysis was used, with words being grouped into categories to explore recurrent themes and overlapping concepts. Themes were labelled and the transcripts re-explored for items relevant to each theme.

Findings The literature search produced 604 articles. Many were irrelevant to upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer but useful information was obtained from others, leading to a first draft of the updated booklet. The focus groups’ data were crucial in developing the booklet.

Conclusion The updated booklet will assist patients who have had surgery for upper GI cancer to manage their nutrition.