Enteral Nutrition Management in Indian Context: Review for Head and Neck Cancer Patients and Implementation Strategies

Abstract

Background: The unique challenges of providing nutrition for head and neck cancer patients mainly stems from the need to use alternative care methods, especially using nasogastric tubes. This literature review highlights the controversial issues related to the accurate identification of baseline nutritional status and the provision of adequate nourishment through nasogastric tubes to head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing intensive treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy. This discussion highlights the importance of developing effective nutritional management, need for early intervention, details of nutritional requirements, kinds of support available for symptoms like dysphagia and mucositis, and strategies to enhance treatment tolerance and promote wound healing.

Method: This comprehensive narrative was constructed by the key findings from empirical evidence sourced from public databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase via literature search using primary title and keywords. The manuscript then went a rigorous process of screening, study quality assessment and evaluation using selection criteria before final appraisal.

Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risks of malnutrition. Alternatively, the limitations of the selected sources include that they do not provide a comprehensive overview of the types of literature fully dedicated to specific disciplines. It should also focus on using the evidence-based approach in HNC surgeries. Therefore, a patient-centered nutritional care may serve as the principal way of achieving improved outcomes for critically ill patients.