Gastrostomy in head and neck cancer: current literature, controversies and research.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article explores the literature on the role of gastrostomy tube feeding use in the management of head and neck cancer, with special attention to its indications, timing of insertion, advantages, complications and quality of life issues.

RECENT FINDINGS: The current guidelines in place across different countries and two ongoing randomized controlled trials are discussed in detail, and placed in the context of current evidence.

SUMMARY: There remains a lack of consensus about when and which enteral feeding routes (gastrostomy or nasogastric tube) should be used and controversy about the long-term effects on swallowing function as well as quality of life for patients. Local guidelines should be used or generated to guide practice or patients enrolled into existing trials until higher level evidence is generated.