Investigating quality of life and coping resources after laryngectomy

Abstract

Surgical procedures and in particular laryngectomy can become a life-saving treatment for patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer, but can result in permanent damage. Clinical observation suggests that patients vary considerably in their ways of dealing with this new situation and in their ability to cope. The aim of our interdisciplinary group was to investigate the quality of life of laryngectomy patients and learn about their perceptions, situation and coping mechanisms. The development of an appropriate study design and a measurement strategy is presented. We investigated 29 laryngectomized patients who had joined the local self-help group. The patients were free from tumour disease and were mostly married with children, retired from work and had not graduated from high school. Assessment of the quality of life was performed with the European Organization for Research on Treatment of Cancer questionnaires QLQ-C30 and H+N35 and additional open questions. Analysis of the acquired data showed that family support was judged most important for overcoming the problems of disease and treatment. Deficits in this area were highly correlated with a low overall quality of life. Financial problems resulted because of the high percentage of retirement before or after therapy. We suggest that perioperative support taking these facts into consideration can result in an improved coping process. Further prospective studies are needed to reveal the effect of such measures.

Effectiveness of Olfactory Rehabilitation With the Nasal Airflow-Inducing Maneuver After Total Laryngectomy

“…One additional explanation for the different results may be the wellknown coping abilities of cancer patients and their adaptation to living with the disease with time. 14,15 Our observations suggest that QOL is a complex concept and depends on factors other than olfaction.…”

Quality of Life after Treatment for Laryngeal Carcinomas

“…after tracheotomy), was interpreted in other studies as being due to coping abilities, adaptation to the postoperative situation or posttreatment response shift [6,7,15] .…”

Satisfaction and Quality of Life in Laryngectomees after Voice Prosthesis Rehabilitation

“…The loss of voice can cause social, psychological and economical [20,21] disadvantages to the patients. Nalbadian et al [20] also reported that 30% of laryngectomees were ashamed of their condition, 42% stated that they were rather depressed, and 30% were feeling lonely.…”