Quality of life in patients submitted to total laryngectomy

Abstract

Background: Laryngeal carcinoma accounts for about 80 000 deaths annually worldwide. Despite its aggressiveness, total laryngectomy (TL) is a treatment option with curative intent. This article aims to evaluate its impact on these patients quality of life (QoL).

Material and methods: Thirty-four patients who underwent TL with bilateral neck dissection between 2003 and 2012 responded to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Core Questionnaire, the Self-Evaluation of Communication Experiences after Laryngeal Cancer Questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results: Data revealed that QoL is lower in these patients compared with general population. Regarding alaryngeal speech modalities, esophageal speech is associated with a significantly higher physical functional capacity.

Conclusions: TL results in a permanent disability with decreased functional capacity and psychological distress. Close monitoring of these patients and investing in speech rehabilitation are essential to preserve their QoL.

Keywords: Alaryngeal speech; Laryngectomy; Quality of life.