VOICE RESTORATION IN PATIENTS WITH ORAL CAVITY AND OROPHARYNGEAL CANCERS USING INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

Currently, voice restoration in patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers after organ-preserving and reconstructive surgeries is relevant and socially significant. Materials and methods. From 2014 to 2019, a total of 110 patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers (Tj 3N0 2M0) were treated at the Department of Head and Neck Tumors of Cancer Research Institute. Organ-preserving surgeries with a flap reconstruction following hemiglossectomy or glossectomy with horizontal plane resection of the mandible, and hemiglossectomy or glossectomy with resection of the mandibular and muscles of the floor of the mouth were performed. In the postoperative period, violation of speech, swallowing and chewing processes were observed. After removal of the nasophageal probe and sutures, all patients underwent speech rehabilitation to restore speech function using innovative technologies. Together with scientists from Tomsk University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics, we have developed and introduced into clinical practice OnkoSpeech v1.0 software package that allows us to apply a personalized approach to planning speech rehabilitation based on a sound spectrum spectral analysis for patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers after organ-preserving surgery. Results. The software package allows us to evaluate the quality of speech and work with a database of records of speech therapy sessions. A positive result of voice restoration was observed in all 110 patients in the period from 18 to 30 days. We have received objective confirmation of the assumption that in most cases after the rehabilitation, the acoustic characteristics approach the speech indices in comparison with the preoperative period. Conclusion. Our technique makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of the restoration of speech function, reduce the time of speech rehabilitation, and significantly increase the social status and quality of life of cancer patients.