Voice rehabilitation and quality of life in laryngectomized patients

BACKGROUND: Total laryngectomy represents the surgical procedure necessary for the treatment of some advanced neo-plasms of the hypopharyngeal-laryngeal district and involves strong functional, physical and emotional repercussions. This research investigated the way in which the rehabilitation methods, used to improve the communicative needs of laryn-gectomized patients, influence their perceived quality of life. METHOD: The questionnaires “V-RQoL” and “SECEL” were administered to 45 patients divided into four groups on the basis of the type of vicarious voice: group TE (27 patients), group E (7 patients), group EL (2 patients), group NV (9 patients). RESULTS: Patients using electrical or tracheo-esophageal prostheses reported a better quality of life than patients with an erythromophonic voice. Regarding postoperative satisfaction, the group with esophageal voice was the most satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: The results lead us to emphasize the importance of preoperative counseling to make the patient as aware as possible of his future condition.