[Voice handicap evaluation after supracricoid partial laryngectomy].
The importance of patient self-impressions has been emphasized in determining the success of cancer treatment. The supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) is recognized as a suitable procedure for the treatment of T1b and T2 glottic carcinoma. The aim of this surgical procedure is the preservation of a physiologic phonation with optimal oncologic control.


METHODS
Measurements included Voice handicap Index (VHI), Voice Related Quality of'Life (VRQL), subjective (GRBAS) and objective analysis.


OBJECTIVE
evaluate voice problems after SCPL, provide correlations between patients' daily activities, VHI, and subjective evaluation of the dysphonia.


METHODS
53 patients were assessed more than 1 year after SCPL. 26 patients, less than 60 years of age and professionally active were included. The mean age was 48 years (43 to 59 years). Eleven patients had professional activities in the communications industry requiring a compulsory daily use of their voices.


RESULTS
57.6% of the active patients underwent a cessation or an adaptation of their professional activities. The mean VHI was 52.22. It was respectively 36.3, 50.03 and 52.42 according to the grade 1, 2, 3 of dysphonia. Correlations between VHI and the time laps since intervention (p: 0.047). discontinuation of professional activities (p: 0.037), and grade of dysphonia (p: 0.049) were found.


CONCLUSIONS
VHI allows an evaluation of the voice problems after SCPL. A significant impact on voice is reported after SCPL and may influence the patient's life, with potential disturbance of their professional activities. Potential post surgical voice impact must be considered when the therapeutic options are discussed.
Makeieff
M
M
CHU Montpellier. Hôpital Gui de Chauliac, Service ORL Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, 80 avenue Augustin Fliche, F-34295 Montpellier Cedex 5, France. m-makeieff@chu-montpellier.fr
Venail
F
F
Garrel
R
R
de la Breteque
B Amy
BA
Giovanni
A
A
Guerrier
B
B
D000328:Adult; D003413:Cricoid Cartilage; D005931:Glottis; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile