'No one told me I had a voice': patient experiences of functional laryngectomy.

BACKGROUND

Patients with locally advanced laryngeal malignancy may be offered total laryngectomy or chemoradiotherapy. Laryngeal dysfunction is a consequence of non-surgical treatment and can result in issues with airway, voice, and swallow.

METHODS

Semi-structured qualitative interviews explore the experiences of patients who have undergone functional laryngectomy for non-functional larynx in one UK health board.

RESULTS

3 patients were identified and interviewed. Thematic Analysis generated four main themes: Preparation for treatment, Tipping Points, Post-Operative Quality of Life and Attitudes to Future Healthcare. These themes uncover the functional and psychological experiences of patients undergoing functional laryngectomy.

CONCLUSION

This study explores the many facets of the decision to undergo functional laryngectomy; namely recognising a patient's tipping point and changes in attitudes towards surgical intervention. Ultimately this enhances our understanding of the rationale of patient's choices, which can aid in the counselling of future patients.