The Experience of Head and Neck Cancer Patients With a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube at a Canadian Cancer Center

Abstract

Many patients with advanced head and neck cancer become unable to obtain sufficient nutrition and hydration orally, leading to considerable weight loss and compromised clinical outcomes. The percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is ideal for this population who require longer term nutrition support due to the effects of cancer treatment. Although clinical experts at the Odette Cancer Centre (OCC) report positive patient feedback with PEG tubes, there is debate in the literature regarding the associated quality of life (QoL). The study objective was to learn about the experience of patients living with a PEG tube. A neutral questionnaire with closed- and open-ended questions was developed, tested, and used to collect data. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine whether the patients' experiences were positive/neutral or negative. Qualitative data were assessed for common themes, and frequency was counted. Of the 51 participants, 84% felt the PEG tube had a positive/neutral effect on their QoL. Ninety percent felt that the PEG tube was "very much" or "quite a bit" worthwhile. In addition, 96% would recommend it to another patient. The 11 questions reflecting domains of QoL affected by living with a PEG tube were answered positively or neutrally at least 71% of the time. Results indicate that the patient experience with the PEG tube is generally positive or neutral, thus demonstrating a different outcome than recent literature. This study will help improve understanding regarding the experience of living with a PEG tube from the patient perspective.