title: An investigation into the quality of life of individuals after laryngectomy
abstract: BACKGROUND: Little longitudinal data are available on the general physical, psychological, and social problems experienced as a result of laryngectomy or on the preoperative status of patients in regard to these aspects. In particular, prospective longitudinal data gathered from the same group of subjects over time and examining a variety of such outcomes is rare. This descriptive study addresses these issues. METHODS: The study investigates the progress of a group of 34 laryngectomees from the preoperative stage up to 6 months after surgery. Medical complications, communication, swallowing, diet, physical, and psychosocial adjustment were measured using both the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and original outcome tools. RESULTS: A large percentage of subjects demonstrated significant and persistent communication and swallowing problems throughout the period studied. Low preoperative and postoperative scores on the SF-36 demonstrate that this group had a poorer state of general health in many respects than those with serious medical conditions previously documented. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that communication and swallowing difficulties persist for many laryngectomees up to 6 months after surgery and still require further investigation. Poor preoperative and postoperative general health scores indicate that this group may require more long-term social support than is currently being offered to adjust to the laryngectomy. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 23: 16-24, 2001.
authors.affiliation: Speech Pathology Department, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, CSAHS, Sydney. NSW, Australia. School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Sydney, Lidcombe Campus, East St., Lidcombe. NSW, Australia 2141.
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Isman
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dooley
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brine
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Riley
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dentice
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: King
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Khanbhai