Effect of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy on Long-term Quality of Life in Patients with Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Background: Previous study revealed that prophylactic percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) maintain nutritional status of patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC). We aimed to further investigate the effect of PEG on the long-term quality of life of patients with LA-NPC. Methods: Patients with LA-NPC were selected and divided into PEG and non-PEG groups. The QLQ-C30 scores, incidence of adverse effects, weight and xerostomia recovery were compared between the two groups.Results: No statistically significant difference in the scores of each QLQ-C30 scales between the two groups (P>0.05). The incidence of xerostomia was higher in the PEG group than in the non-PEG group (P=0.044), but no significant difference in the incidence of the remaining adverse effects as well as in weight and dry mouth recovery (P>0.05). Conclusion: PEG seems not to have a detrimental effect on long-term quality of life, including the swallowing function of NPC patients.