Quality of Life in Patients Submitted to Total Laryngectomy

Abstract

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). 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. 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. 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.