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Communication, functional disorders and lifestyle changes after total laryngectomy
A H Ackerstaff1, F J Hilgers, N K Aaronson
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam.
Clinical Otolaryngology and Allied Sciences
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Total laryngectomy significantly impacts voice quality and senses like smell and taste, though most patients achieve vocal rehabilitation. Counseling should address these functional changes post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Speech and Language Pathology
Background:
- Total laryngectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the larynx, can lead to significant functional changes.
- Understanding these post-operative effects is crucial for patient management and rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate functional outcomes after total laryngectomy.
- To assess voice quality, sense of smell (hyposmia), taste (dysgeusia), nasal discharge, swallowing, and smoking habits.
Main Methods:
- A structured interview was conducted with 63 patients who had undergone total laryngectomy.
- Data on voice quality, sensory changes, swallowing, and smoking habits were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- 80% of patients were satisfied with their voice quality, with 78% achieving vocal rehabilitation using the Provox voice prosthesis.
- 52% reported hyposmia, 15% dysgeusia, and 38% experienced daily nasal discharge. Significant correlations were found between hyposmia and dysgeusia.
- Dietary changes occurred in a quarter of patients due to swallowing difficulties, and post-operative smoking rates dropped significantly.
Conclusions:
- While most patients achieve good voice quality and rehabilitation, functional deficits like hyposmia, dysgeusia, and swallowing issues are common.
- These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive patient counseling regarding potential functional changes after total laryngectomy.