title: The influence of a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) on the respiratory symptoms after total laryngectomy.
abstract: The influence of a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) on the respiratory symptoms after total laryngectomy was studied in 42 patients. A significant reduction was found in the mean daily frequency of sputum production, forced expectoration in order to clean the airway and stoma cleaning after use of the HME for 6 weeks. Symptoms of fatigue and malaise decreased significantly, while social contact improved. Patients using oesophageal speech or an electrolarynx benefited more than patients using a voice prosthesis. The findings indicate that respiratory problems after total laryngectomy can be reduced significantly with the use of a device with heat and moisture exchanging properties. In turn, reduction of respiratory symptoms results in an improved quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Department of ENT/Head and Neck Surgery, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Hilgers
authors.forename: N K
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Aaronson
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Ackerstaff
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Schouwenburg
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: van Zandwikj
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation; D011788:Quality of Life; D012138:Respiratory Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013071:Speech, Alaryngeal; D013183:Sputum / Q000378:metabolism; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000295:instrumentation*