Lilyfoo, in this case he will need a feeding tube. this surgery will a) leave him unable to swallow for a while
b) they will need to check that he swallows correctly and does not aspirate. it is not just a matter of pain and swallowing. there will be anatomical reasons to have the tube. They will not want food on the surgical incision site either.
All in all, this surgery doesnt sound too bad to me and is definitely very doable. I am so happy you all managed to persuade Charles to proceed with this.
Take care,
Tammy

Caregiver/advocate to Husband Kris age 59@ diagnosis
DX Dec '10 SCC BOT T4aN2bM0 HPV+ve.Cisplatin x3 35 IMRT.
PET 6/11 clear.
R) level 2-4 neck dissection 8/1/11 to remove residual node - necrotic with NED
Feb '12 Ca back.. 3/8/12 total glossectomy/laryngectomy/bilat neck dissection/partial pharyngectomy etc. clear margins. All nodes negative for disease. PEG in.
March 2017 - 5 years disease free. Woohoo!