Tube feeding and gastrostomy in advanced cancer: indication, experiences, senses and meanings

Authors

  • Sonia Barbosa do Nascimento Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva (INCA).
  • Rosane de Souza Santos Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva (INCA).
  • Mariana Fernandes Costa Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva (INCA).

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12957/demetra.2023.66420

Keywords:

Palliative Care. Enteral Nutrition. Food. Cancer.

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with advanced cancer show symptoms and metabolic disorders that can make appropriate oral feeding impossible causing weight loss, with implications regarding functional capacity and quality of life; feeding tubes/ostomies are indicated in such cases. Objectives: To understand the senses and meanings of tube feeding/ostomies for patients with advanced cancer in exclusive palliative care and for caregivers. Methods: This is a qualitative, exploratory-descriptive investigation, carried out in a hospital in Rio de Janeiro, through semi-structured interviews with 12 patients and 12 caregivers, in the year 2021. After transcriptions, Laurence Bardin's content analysis was used. As theoretical references, the ideas of Elizabeth Kübler-Ross and perspectives of Social Psychology were used. Results: Three thematic dimensions were identified on indication, experiences and senses and meanings of tube feeding/ostomy, with respective categories. Most patients and caregivers addressed the evolution of the disease and their decision on the alternative food route. As meanings of food: quality of life, comfort, life and hope. Conclusions: In this way, artificial nutrition is resignified as the new possible feeding method; artificial nutrition also presents symbolic aspects besides the biological function.

Author Biographies

Sonia Barbosa do Nascimento, Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva (INCA).

Nutricionista Residente do Curso de Residência Multiprofissional em Oncologia do INCA

Rosane de Souza Santos, Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva (INCA).

Nutricionista clínica do Hospital do Câncer IV do INCA

Mariana Fernandes Costa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva (INCA).

Nutricionista clínica do Hospital do Câncer IV do INCA

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Published

2023-02-28

How to Cite

Nascimento, S. B. do, Santos, R. de S., & Costa, M. F. (2023). Tube feeding and gastrostomy in advanced cancer: indication, experiences, senses and meanings. DEMETRA: Food, Nutrition & Health, 18, e66420. https://doi.org/10.12957/demetra.2023.66420

Issue

Vol. 18 (2023)

Section

Human and Social Sciences in Food

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