Patients' experience in the early recovery phase after removal of intraoral squamous cell carcinoma with carbon dioxide laser.
Laser excision of oral cancer is well established. The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to ask patients about their main symptoms and the severity of them during the first postoperative weeks. We devised a short questionnaire in collaboration with patients, and did a cross-sectional survey of 50 consecutive patients who had laser excision of T1 and T2 oral cancers over a two-year period. The response rate was 76% (38/50). Twenty patients reported that eating was "quite a bit" or "very much of a problem" and 13 reported similar for pain. The main problems were eating (n=27), pain (n=16), numbness (n=14), speech (n=13), and swallowing (n=12). It took 11 patients more than 4 weeks to recover, and 11 of the 20 who were employed needed to take time off work (modal duration 3 or 4 weeks). Thirteen patients sought advice postoperatively from the clinic, ward or secretary's office, general practitioner, or accident and emergency department (or other out-of-hours service). The survey shows that morbidity associated with laser excision is relatively high, and more studies are required to provide a better evidence base that will inform improvements in postoperative recovery and care.
Regional Maxillofacial Unit, University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool L9 1AE, UK. Electronic address: marcus.o.gilmatin@gmail.com.
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Gilmartin
Regional Maxillofacial Unit, University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool L9 1AE, UK. Electronic address: tariqali1@gmail.com.
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Ali
Regional Maxillofacial Unit, University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool L9 1AE, UK; Evidence-Based Practice Research Centre (EPRC), Faculty of Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk. Electronic address: snrogers.aintree@gmail.com.
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Rogers
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D054020:Lasers, Gas / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D037981:Neck Dissection; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002245:Carbon Dioxide
Laser; Oral Cancer; Postoperative morbidity