Psychosocial adjustment after laryngeal cancer surgery

The objective of the study was to assess the psychosocial adjustment of 111 patients, and 87 partners, after laryngeal cancer surgery. Sixty-nine patients were grouped as having had radical surgery (total or near-total laryngectomy), and 30 as having had functional surgery (horizontal supraglottic laryngectomy or cordectomy). The Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale Self Report questionnaire was used as the primary outcome. No significant differences were found between groups when global adjustment or domain adjustment was compared. Patient and partner responses were almost identical. Work and family relationships were the domains with poorest adjustment for both patients and partners. Information about treatment expectations was negatively rated by functional surgery patients, especially by those who underwent a cordectomy. We conclude that patient perspectives should be considered and consulted to 1) evaluate patient opinion about treatment results, 2) identify patients with special support needs, and 3) inform patients according to other patients' priorities, based on their experience.