What is the purpose of this study? Patients with head and neck cancer who undergo surgery with free flap reconstruction often need careful nutritional support during recovery. The purpose of this study is to better understand how much energy (calories) these patients need before and after surgery and whether nutrition is related to recovery, complications, and overall outcomes. Who can participate? Adults (18 years and older) with head and neck cancer who are scheduled to undergo free flap reconstructive surgery at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center may be invited to participate. What will participants do? Participants will undergo several nutrition-related assessments before and after surgery, including: Indirect calorimetry tests, which measure how much energy the body uses. Body composition measurements using a non-invasive device. A questionnaire about food intake. Collection of routine clinical information, laboratory results, and recovery data from medical records. The indirect calorimetry assessments will be performed before surgery, several days after surgery, before hospital discharge, and approximately one month after discharge. What are the possible benefits of the study? The information obtained may help researchers better understand the nutritional needs of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing major surgery. This knowledge may improve nutritional care and recovery for future patients. Will participation affect medical care? Participation in the study will not change the standard medical or nutritional care patients receive. Nutritional follow-up will continue according to routine clinical practice. How will privacy be protected? Study data will be stored in a coded form, and access will be limited to authorized study personnel. Personal identifying information will be kept separate from the research database.
Age range
18 Years – 120 Years
Sex
ALL
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Energy expenditure measured by indirect calorimetry.
Timeframe: From baseline (pre-surgery) to approximately 1 month after hospital discharge