Voice rehabilitation and quality of life in laryngectomized patients

BACKGROUND: Total laryngectomy represents the surgical procedure necessary for the treatment of some advanced neo-plasms of the hypopharyngeal-laryngeal district and involves strong functional, physical and emotional repercussions. This research investigated the way in which the rehabilitation methods, used to improve the communicative needs of laryn-gectomized patients, influence their perceived quality of life.METHOD: The questionnaires V-RQoL and SECEL were administered to 45 patients divided into four groups on the basis of the type of vicarious voice: group TE (27 patients), group E (7 patients), group EL (2 patients), group NV (9 patients).RESULTS: Patients using electrical or tracheo-esophageal prostheses reported a better quality of life than patients with an erythromophonic voice. Regarding postoperative satisfaction, the group with esophageal voice was the most satisfied.CONCLUSIONS: The results lead us to emphasize the importance of preoperative counseling to make the patient as aware as possible of his future condition.

Automated summary

This research investigated the influence of rehabilitation methods on the perceived quality of life of laryngectomized patients. It was found that patients using electrical or tracheo-esophageal prostheses reported a better quality of life than those with an erythromophonic voice. The results highlight the importance of preoperative counseling.