Voice rehabilitation and quality of life in laryngectomized patients.

BACKGROUND

Total laryngectomy represents the surgical procedure necessary for the treatment of some advanced neoplasms 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 laryngectomized 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.

KEY WORDS: Cancer, Laryngectomy, Vicarious Voice, Voice Rehabilitation, Quality of Life.