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Updated: Apr 18, 2026
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Published on: December 1, 2023
Quality of life in patients submitted to total laryngectomy
Ana Pereira da Silva1, Telma Feliciano1, Susana Vaz Freitas1
1Otorhinolaryngology Department, Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Background:
Laryngeal carcinoma accounts for about 80 000 deaths annually worldwide. Despite its aggressiveness, total laryngectomy (TL) is a treatment option with curative intent. This article aims to evaluate its impact on these patients quality of life (QoL).
Material And Methods:
Thirty-four patients who underwent TL with bilateral neck dissection between 2003 and 2012 responded to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Core Questionnaire, the Self-Evaluation of Communication Experiences after Laryngeal Cancer Questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
Results:
Data revealed that QoL is lower in these patients compared with general population. Regarding alaryngeal speech modalities, esophageal speech is associated with a significantly higher physical functional capacity.
Conclusions:
TL results in a permanent disability with decreased functional capacity and psychological distress. Close monitoring of these patients and investing in speech rehabilitation are essential to preserve their QoL.
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