Factors influencing quality of life after total laryngectomy: a study of 92 patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Total laryngectomy is a radical surgery for advanced laryngeal cancer. In the present study we evaluate the influencing factors for long term quality of life of 92 laryngectomees.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

92 patients who underwent laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer in the University Hospital of Patras, Greece were evaluated using a modified version of the EORTC-QOL-C30 questionnaire. The patients were distributed into 6 groups based on time elapsed between surgical treatment and completion of the questionnaire, ranging from 2 years for group 1 to 9-10 years for group 6.

RESULTS

The mean value of psychological status (p=0.01), smelling disorders (p=0.032), mood change (p=0.003) were statistically significant in regard to the patient's overall view of their life postsurgically. Coexisting illness (defined as diabetes, hypertension or prostate disease which required medication on daily basis or hospitalization more than two times a year) was also significantly affecting (p=0.021) the patient's oral communication skills.

CONCLUSION

Quality of life is affected by functional disabilities and the psychological state of the patients. No statistically significant improvement over time was noted in our series.