Early feeding after total laryngectomy results in shorter hospital stay without increased risk of complications: a retrospective case-control study

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of a reduced nil per os (NPO) period after total laryngectomy (TLE) on general and wound-related post-operative complications, swallowing function and duration of hospital stay.

Design, setting and participants: In a retrospective case-control study in 71 patients after TLE with primary closure (i e. without reconstruction with tissue transfer), complications and hospitalisation in 36 patients who started oral feeding on days 3-5 (early feeding) were compared with 30 patients who started oral feeding on days 7-10 (late feeding).

Main outcome measures: Incidence of complications, swallowing function and duration of hospitalisation.

Results: There were no significant differences between the early-and late-feeding groups in the occurrence of pharyn-gocutaneous fistulae, neopharyngeal stenosis or wound complications in general. Swallowing function was comparable for both groups. Mean overall hospitalisation was 2 days shorter in the early-feeding group (mean: 17.4 days) as compared to the late-feeding group (mean: 19.4 days) (P <0.05).

Conclusions: Early feeding after TLE without flap reconstruction did not contribute to an increase in complications and led to a shorter hospital stay.