Weight Loss and Gastrostomy Tube Care Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients With Gastrostomy Tube Placement

Weight Loss and Gastrostomy Tube Care Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients With Gastrostomy Tube Placement

Poor nutritional status and malnutrition are prevalent for patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer. Inadequate dietary intake is multi factorial, with patients experiencing dysphagia and or anorexia caused by various cancer treatments. Current standard practice utilizes Gastrostomy Tube placement to manage adverse nutritional effects related to Head and Neck cancer treatment.

The purpose of this study is to assess the quality of life and educational intervention outcomes of Head and Neck Cancer patients who have a gastrostomy tube placed per standard of care.

A high incident of Gastrostomy tube replacement occurs related to clogged, dislodged, and/or pulled out tubes. In addition, patients not eating or drinking after Gastrostomy tube placement, compounded by complications related to radiation treatment, results in decreased swallowing function. Inadequate swallow function, especially when combined with inadequate use of Gastrostomy tube, due to non-functional tube or insufficient patient knowledge in use of tube, results in poor nutritional status and excessive weight loss.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 years and older
• Head and Neck cancer diagnosis
• Esophageal cancer diagnosis
• Receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy
• Gastrostomy Tube placed within the last 30days or scheduled to have a gastrostomy tube placed within the next 30 days

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not eligible for chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy
• Unwilling or unable to sign informed consent
• Any cognitive or mental deficits that would prevent patient from completing questionnaires or understanding educational interventions
• Current pre-existing Gastrostomy tube complications if a current Gastrostomy tube is in place prior to informed consent (i.e., skin breakdown, tube breakdown, other tube complications).
• No Gastrostomy tube placement
• Non-English Speaking