Investigating the requirement for nasogastric tube feeding following transoral robotic surgery for head and neck cancer in Oxford: a retrospective cohort study

Journal article

Objectives

Transoral robotic surgery is a minimally invasive technique used in the management of head and neck cancer, though post-operative odynophagia can be a significant issue. There is debate about the necessity of elective nasogastric tube placement during the peri-operative period. This study examines the proportion of patients requiring elective nasogastric tube placement and evaluates whether pre-operative factors predict the need for nasogastric tube feeding.

Methods

Data from patients who underwent transoral robotic surgery in Oxford were analysed to assess correlations between pre-operative factors and nasogastric tube feeding.

Results

Fifty-three patients undergoing transoral robotic surgery underwent elective nasogastric tube placement; 43 per cent required the nasogastric tube for feeding or medication. Multivariate analysis showed significant associations between nasogastric tube feeding and sex (p = 0.028), peri-neural invasion (p = 0.024), tumour size (p = 0.012) and concurrent neck dissection (p = 0.019).

Conclusion

Although nearly half of the patients benefited from elective nasogastric tube placement, the remainder did not. Benefits and risks of elective nasogastric tube placement should be carefully considered.

Authors: Jones, O; Silva, P; Winter, SC

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Journal: Journal of Laryngology and Otology
• Volume: 139
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 496-500
• Place of publication: England
• Publication date: 2025-03-26
• Acceptance date: 2025-01-07
• DOI: 10.1017/s0022215125000076
• EISSN: 1748-5460
• ISSN: 0022-2151
• Pmid: 40136053
• Language: English
• Keywords: robotics; carcinoma head; neck; oropharynx