Quality of life for patients after laryngectomy and surgical voice rehabilitation. Experience with the Provox prosthesis

Abstract

Our study included 52 patients who received follow-up care after laryngectomy; a Provox I prosthesis was used for voice rehabilitation. The EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire was used to assess the postoperative quality of life of these patients with voice prostheses. Of the patients, 36.1% complained of a lack of energy, and 22% experienced sadness suggesting a reactive depression. Of the 55.6% of patients who expressed satisfaction with managing their disease, more than two-thirds were afraid of a potential deterioration of their health. More than 90% of the patients received extensive support from family and friends. As many as 52.8% expressed themselves satisfied with their current life, which is perhaps attributable to the successful rehabilitation of their voice. Eating problems, i.e., varying degrees of dysphagia as a result of treatment, were experienced by 47.3% of the patients. After the laryngectomy, 11% continue to smoke and 46% regularly consume alcohol. For this reason, rehabilitation measures should place more emphasis on patient education and on programs designed to help patients stop smoking and drinking alcohol.