Quality of life in patients treated with PDMS injection for swallowing disorders.
OBJECTIVE
To document the efficacy of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) injections in patients with swallowing disorders after partial supracricoid laryngectomy; to assess the importance of quality-of-life (QOL) outcome in oncologic patients.


METHODS
The study included 11 patients with swallowing disorders after partial laryngectomy and appropriate rehabilitation. They were treated with endoscopic injection of PDMS; QOL was investigated with four questionnaires (M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory, Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer, Performance Karnofsky Scale, and Voice Handicap Index-10) before and after surgical treatment and further rehabilitation.


RESULTS
A significant improvement in QOL of all 11 patients was seen after endoscopic injection. The impact of this treatment on the social life of patients was considerable.


CONCLUSIONS
Swallowing disorders and speech problems are quite common complications of partial laryngectomy. QOL in oncologic patients is a mandatory outcome measure. PDMS injection showed an improvement in the everyday life of selected patients.
Molteni
Gabriele
G
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, 41100 Modena, Italy. gabriele.molteni@yahoo.it
Ghidini
Angelo
A
Bergamini
Giuseppe
G
Alicandri-Ciufelli
Matteo
M
Mattioli
Francesco
F
Luppi
Maria Pia
MP
Presutti
Livio
L
D000368:Aged; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; C013830:baysilon