Table 1 Questions of the survey

3. Is the indication for prophylactic gastrostomy discussed at the multidisciplinary board?

Yes/No

4. How many patients do you irradiate per year in your center

0/0–20/21–50/51–100/> 100

5. In case of a Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (LAHNC) patient, without dysphagia nor contraindications for gastrostomy, with normal nutritional status who will undergo chemo-radiation, to which degree the following factors would influence your decision: a) the foreseen irradiated volume of oral/oropharyngeal mucosa, constrictor muscles and oesophagus?; b) the anatomical site of the tumour?; c) the postoperative versus curative setting?; d) the patient’s choice?; e) the expertise of your centre in gastrostomy placement?

Not at all important/Slightly Important/Important/Fairly Important/Very Important

6. In your centre which technique is used to place gastrostomies (you can select more than one if necessary)

Endoscopic/Radiologic/Laparoscopic/Gastrostomies are not used/Other

7. When do you start enteral nutrition via prophylactic gastrostomy?

Immediately following the prophylactic gastrostomy placement/from the start of radiotherapy/Later, when clinically indicated/Other (free text)

8. When do you remove the prophylactic gastrostomy?

At the end of chemo-radiation/When the patient is able to assume an adequate oral feeding/In case of complete locoregional remission at the first evaluation post chemo-radiation/Other, please specify (free text)

9. In your opinion, could the use of a prophylactic gastrostomy have a negative impact on swallowing function after chemo-radiation?

Yes/No/No opinion