An adult with pharyngeal tumor and pharyngeal residue that clears with secondary swallows, planning pharyngeal surgery in 2 weeks: what is the most likely recommendation before surgery?

• A. The patient should be NPO until surgery
• B. The patient should use a chin tuck while eating semisolids and solids
• C. The patient should remain on a regular diet and be re-evaluated after the surgery
• D. The patient should remain on a regular diet before and after the surgery

Answer: (C)

Maintaining adequate nutrition and preserving safe swallowing before surgery is the priority when a pharyngeal tumor is present. If there’s pharyngeal residue that clears with secondary swallows, this shows the swallow remains functionally capable for oral intake without immediate risk of aspiration. Keeping a regular diet preoperatively helps nutrition and overall health, and it provides a clear baseline to compare against after the surgery when swallow mechanics may change due to the operation.

NPO until surgery would unnecessarily deprive the patient of nutrition, especially important in cancer care. A chin tuck or other compensatory maneuver might be helpful in specific moments of safety, but it isn’t the most appropriate overall preoperative plan. And maintaining a regular diet both before and after without planning for postoperative re-evaluation ignores potential changes in swallow after surgery; it’s safer and more effective to keep nutrition stable now and reassess afterward.