Functional status after total laryngectomy: cross-sectional survey of 79 laryngectomees using the Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

Total laryngectomy affects patients' post-operative speech and swallowing functions. We aimed to assess these outcomes. Patients' normalcy of diet, ability to eat in public and speech comprehensibility were assessed using the Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer, in a cross-sectional survey of disease-free laryngectomees. Seventy-nine laryngectomees (72 men and seven women), with a mean age of 64 years (range 37 to 96), were included. Mean scores were 81.6 (standard deviation 29.2) for normalcy of diet, 77.8 (standard deviation 30.2) for eating in public and 65.2 (standard deviation 23.5) for speech. Normalcy of diet achieved higher scores within six months of laryngectomy and remained stable. There was a statistically significant difference between scores for the speech and public eating domains, comparing patients less and more than six months post-laryngectomy. This trend was maintained beyond 12 months. In post-laryngectomy patients, Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer scores improved over time, especially those for the speech and public eating domains, reflecting increasing confidence in social interactions and familiarity with surgical voice restoration.