Communication status following laryngectomy: the Iowa experience 1984-1987.
Data regarding treatment and outcome for a consecutive series of 73 total laryngectomy patients were collected from clinical records with a follow-up period of 30 to 78 months postoperatively. Notable findings were that 27% were women; 75% reported hoarseness or a voice change as an early symptom; and 22% reported combined heavy use of both cigarettes and alcohol. Of the 73 patients, 38 (52%) died during the follow-up period; 18 of the 38 died within 1 year postoperatively. Thirty-nine (53%) of the 73 had received a surgical tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) for voice restoration, as either a primary or a secondary procedure. Of the 39, 75% were using the TEF at last examination, with no failures attributed to sphincter spasm. Of the total group, the primary communication modality was reported to be use of a TEF by 44% and use of an electrolarynx by 50%. Limitations of the study and directions for future investigations are discussed.
Morris
H L
HL
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
Smith
A E
AE
Van Demark
D R
DR
Maves
M D
MD
D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D003142:Communication; D004947:Esophagus / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007825:Laryngectomy; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy; D011184:Postoperative Period; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology / Q000379:methods; D014132:Trachea / Q000601:surgery