Enhanced recovery after head and neck cancer surgery: a review of current literature

Abstract

Purpose of review: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is well documented in a number of surgical specialities. However, it remains an emerging concept in surgical head and neck cancer care. The purpose of this review is to appraise the current evidence investigating enhanced recovery in head and neck cancer, and explore areas for future clinical research.

Recent findings: There were three key themes in enhanced recovery from the current head and neck cancer literature: early oral feeding, fistula closure and service delivery. This evidence is emerging and the quality of papers remains variable which makes it difficult to draw robust clinical recommendations. However, there are some encouraging clinical findings with regards to early oral feeding protocols and suturing of the trachea-stoma.

Summary: There is limited literature in enhanced recovery in head and neck cancer, with questionable quality of the papers reviewed. As such, there is no consensus for a standardized enhanced recovery pathway which demonstrates effective service delivery and positive patient outcomes. It is clear that implementation of enhanced recovery pathways is complex and requires patient and clinician buy in. Future research should focus on co-design of a methodologically sound enhanced recovery pathway with evaluation of its implementation.