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Prophylactic Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement in Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer
Author(s) -
Locher Julie L.,
Bonner James A.,
Carroll William R.,
Caudell Jimmy J.,
Keith Jeanette N.,
Kilgore Meredith L.,
Ritchie Christine S.,
Roth David L.,
Tajeu Gabriel S.,
Allison Jeroan J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of parenteral and enteral nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.935
H-Index - 98
eISSN - 1941-2444
pISSN - 0148-6071
DOI - 10.1177/0148607110377097
Subject(s) - medicine , percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy , head and neck cancer , gastrostomy , malnutrition , gastrostomy tube , peg ratio , surgery , head and neck , feeding tube , intensive care medicine , radiation therapy , finance , economics
Background : Patients with head and neck cancers (HNCs) are at increased risk of experiencing malnutrition, which is associated with poor outcomes. Advances in the treatment of HNCs have resulted in improved outcomes that are associated with severe toxic oral side effects, placing patients at an even greater risk of malnutrition. Prophylactic placement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes before treatment may be beneficial in patients with HNC, especially those undergoing more intense treatment regimens. PEG tube placement, however, is not without risks. Methods : A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted. Results : Systematic evidence assessing both the benefits and harm associated with prophylactic PEG tube placement in patients undergoing treatment for HNC is weak, and benefits and harm have not been established. Conclusions : More research is necessary to inform physician behavior on whether prophylactic PEG tube placement is warranted in the treatment of HNC.