Assessing the Impact of Removable Prosthetic Restorations on Nutritional Habits in Edentulous Patients Following Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancers (HNCs) and their surgical treatment can result in significant functional deficits including impaired masticatory function, dysphagia and dysgeusia, among others. These contribute to nutritional deficits weakening immune responses, increased post-surgical infections and complications. AIM: This study assesses the impact of removable prosthetic restorations on nutritional habits in edentulous patients who have undergone surgery for head and neck cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 44 post-surgical oncology patients and 20 healthy edentulous patients who served as controls. All patients received removable acrylic complete prostheses. Controls received maxillary and mandibular complete prostheses and HNC patients received post-resection complete maxillary and mandibular prostheses. Nutritional intake was assessed through a 24 h dietary recall and the Food Frequency Questionnaire administered before prosthetic treatment and 6 weeks and 3, 6 and 12 months after the provision of removable prosthetic restorations. RESULTS: This study found that both patient groups maintained consistent meal frequency, with the study group exhibiting stable food intake over time. The intake of various food items fluctuated post prosthesis delivery in both groups, with an initial decline followed by partial recovery. Statistically significant differences were observed in food preferences; however, diet variations between and within the groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that the use of removable prosthetic restoration in surgically managed edentulous head and neck cancer patients and edentulous controls showed no significant differences apart from certain food preferences and diet variations. A prolonged adaptation period was observed highlighting the need to include clinical dietitians to support the patients.