Studying Energy Needs and Nutrition During Free Flap Surgery in Adults With Head and Neck Cancer at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the energy needs and nutritional status of adults with head and neck cancer who undergo free flap reconstructive surgery. The study aims to understand how calorie requirements relate to recovery, complications, and overall outcomes during the perioperative period. This supportive care study is conducted at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center to improve nutritional care for these patients. Participants will have their resting energy expenditure measured using indirect calorimetry before surgery, several days after surgery, before hospital discharge, and about one month after discharge. Body composition will be assessed with a non-invasive device, and participants will complete a questionnaire about their food intake. Routine clinical information, laboratory results, and recovery data from medical records will also be collected. During the study, participants undergo several nutrition-focused assessments at defined time points around surgery and recovery. Researchers will measure energy expenditure changes from baseline to one month post-discharge. Standard medical and nutritional care will continue as usual, with study data kept confidential and securely stored. The total participation duration spans from pre-surgery through one month after hospital discharge.

Energy Expenditure Assessment in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated With Free Flap Surgery