Impact of neck dissection on long-term feeding tube dependence in patients with head and neck cancer treated with primary radiation or chemoradiation.

BACKGROUND: The impact of posttreatment neck dissection on prolonged feeding tube dependence in patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) treated with primary radiation or chemoradiation remains unknown. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using propensity score adjustment to investigate the effect of neck dissection on prolonged feeding tube dependence. RESULTS: A review of 67 patients with node-positive HNSCC (T1-4N1-3), treated with primary radiation or chemoradiation, with no evidence of tumor recurrence and follow-up of at least 24 months, was performed. Following adjustment for covariates, the relative risk (RR) of feeding tube dependence at 18 months was significantly increased in patients treated with posttreatment neck dissection (RR 4.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.07-10.89). At 24 months, the relative risk of feeding tube dependence in the patients having undergone neck dissection increased further (RR 7.66, 95% CI 2.07-10.89). Of patients with feeding tubes 2 years after completing treatment, 75% remained feeding tube dependent. CONCLUSION: Neck dissection may contribute to chronic oropharyngeal dysphagia in HNSCC patients treated with primary radiation or chemoradiation.