Factors affecting swallowing outcomes after total laryngectomy: Participant self-report using the swallowing outcomes after laryngectomy questionnaire.

BACKGROUND

Little is known about what factors affect patient-reported swallowing outcome after total laryngectomy. We explored whether patient demographics, surgical variables, use of adjuvant treatment, and time since surgery were associated with patient-reported swallowing outcome.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of laryngectomees in eight UK hospitals. Demographic, treatment, and surgical variables were drawn from medical notes. The swallowing outcomes after laryngectomy (SOAL) questionnaire captured perceived swallowing outcome.

RESULTS

Two hundred and twenty one participants had complete data on treatment-related variables. In regression analysis, having a free jejunum flap repair and requiring chemoradiation were the only two variables that added significantly to the model of worse self-reported swallowing outcome (R2 adjusted = .23, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

The SOAL is a sensitive measure of self-reported swallowing outcome after laryngectomy. Type of surgical closure and the type of additional treatment influenced the swallowing outcome reported by patients. Changes in perceived swallowing function need to be routinely evaluated to inform clinical decision-making and intervention.