title: A clinical survey of laryngectomy patients to detect presence of the false perception of an intact larynx or the "phantom larynx" phenomenon.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Phantom larynx phenomenon (the false perception on an intact larynx in a laryngectomee) exists and is an important issue in the post-laryngectomy rehabilitation of such patients.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The phantom limb phenomenon has been described after amputation of a limb or other parts of the body. Amputation or removal of any part is usually associated with a global feeling that the missing part is still present. We undertook this study to identify whether a phantom larynx phenomenon actually exists in laryngectomees. We also aimed to elicit its association with the duration following surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  We did a clinical survey of 66 post-laryngectomy patients (30-80 years of age). Twenty-two of these patients were assessed within 6 months following surgery, whereas 44 patients were assessed at least 6 months later. A questionnaire containing 11 questions was served to these laryngectomees pertaining to false perception of persistent laryngeal functions and adaptation to the post-laryngectomy status.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients showed an evidence of a phantom larynx phenomenon. In the majority of these patients, it persisted even after 6 months following surgery. There was no significant difference in the two groups (less than or more than 6 months) except for one question pertaining to occlusion of stoma for speech (77% vs. 29%). False perception of nasal breathing (59% and 43%) and olfactory sensation (63% in both groups) were the most common.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Phantom larynx phenomenon following laryngectomy exists and may cause anxiety and poor rehabilitation among patients. Education and rehabilitation with regards to such a phenomenon is therefore needed in all patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Head and Neck Services, Tata Memorial Centre, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Pankaj
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chaturvedi
authors.forename: Prashant V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Pawar
authors.forename: Suhail
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Syed
authors.forename: Deepa
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nair
authors.forename: Sourav
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dutta
authors.forename: Devendra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chaukar
authors.forename: Anil K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: D'Cruz
keywords: Laryngectomy; phantom larynx phenomenon; phantom limb; post-laryngectomy rehabilitation; questionnaire