An investigation into the quality of life of individuals after laryngectomy.
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.
Armstrong
E
E
Speech Pathology Department, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, CSAHS, Sydney, NSW, Australia. B.Armstrong@cchs.usyd.edu.au
Isman
K
K
Dooley
P
P
Brine
D
D
Riley
N
N
Dentice
R
R
King
S
S
Khanbhai
F
F
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007825:Laryngectomy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support