Wound Healing in a Glottic Cancer Patient: A Case Report on Nutritional Intervention

Background: Advanced glottic cancer often poses significant challenges in postoperative wound healing after total laryngectomy and radiation. Case Presentation: A 76-year-old male diagnosed with T3N0M0 glottic cancer experienced severe wound-healing complications, including a pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) and persistent wound dehiscence, after undergoing extensive surgery and radiation therapy. Management and Outcome: A tailored nutritional intervention involving arginine supplementation was introduced to support tissue repair for four weeks. Arginine was selected for its role in stimulating collagen synthesis and enhancing immune function. This approach resulted in substantial improvement in wound healing and overall recovery. Discussion: This case demonstrates the role of arginine supplementation in supporting wound healing and recovery in cancer patients after surgery and radiation. By enhancing collagen synthesis, immune function and tissue repair, arginine provides a targeted nutritional strategy for improving postoperative outcomes.