Oral feeding regimes following laryngectomy – A qualitative study of consultants’ opinions in the North of England

Evidence suggests that early oral feeding following laryngectomy does not increase the rate of pharyngocutaneous fistulae (PCF). These interviews aimed to gain opinions on oral feeding to assess the feasibility of a multi-centre randomised control trial of early oral feeding.
One-to-one semi-structured interviews were performed with eight head and neck consultants, working in the North of England and were analyzed using qualitative methods.
Consultants conceded that there was no “scientific basis” or “objective evidence” to the current practice of oral feeding. Three suggested they would consider feeding patients earlier, three intimated that they might do and two suggested they would not. The consultant’s age did seem associated with this view. Half of the consultants felt that earlier feeding might reduce in hospital stay.
Standard practice and attitudes towards feeding regimes varies amongst consultants. Six of the eight consultants may be interested in contributing patients towards a trial. Such interest and attitudes demonstrates that a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of early feeding is feasible.