Long-term effects of voice training and swallowing function exercises on postoperative functional recovery in laryngeal cancer patients: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the long-term effects of combined voice training and swallowing function exercises on functional recovery, quality of life, and complications in patients after laryngeal cancer surgery.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, 120 patients who underwent laryngeal cancer surgery between June 2019 and June 2023 were divided into a rehabilitation group (n = 60, receiving systematic voice and swallowing training) and a routine care group (n = 60). Voice Handicap Index (VHI), Swallowing Function Scale (SFS), and EQ-5D were used to assess outcomes at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Complications were also recorded.

RESULTS

At 12 months postoperatively, the rehabilitation group showed significantly better outcomes than the routine care group: lower VHI score (35.25 ± 5.12 vs. 58.70 ± 6.84, P < 0.001), lower dysphagia incidence (10.00% vs. 30.00%, P = 0.008), higher EQ-5D index (0.82 ± 0.09 vs. 0.68 ± 0.11, P < 0.001), lower total complication rate (11.67% vs. 26.67%, P = 0.032), and higher satisfaction score (87.80 ± 7.93 vs. 72.21 ± 9.22, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed comprehensive rehabilitation as an independent protective factor for voice function (β = -9.215, P < 0.001), swallowing function (β = -3.268, P < 0.001), and complication reduction (OR = 0.218, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Systematic combined voice and swallowing rehabilitation training can effectively promote functional recovery, significantly improve long-term quality of life, and reduce the risk of postoperative complications in laryngeal cancer patients.