The situation of the laryngectomized patient

Abstract

The patients' psychological and social problems in connection with laryngectomy have been studied by an extensive pre— and postoperative inquiry. Smoking habits seemed to decrease postoperatively, whereas no influence or a slight increase in the consumption of alcohol was registered. Some patients experienced depression, more often as a reaction to the impairment of speech rather than to the diagnosis of cancer. Most of the patients under 65 have learnt to communicate by oesophageal speech and are also working full—time in their original occupations. The importance of careful pre—operative penetration of surgical, mental and socio—medical problems as well as oesophageal speech demonstrations is emphasized. This is best achieved by intensive information given to the patient, his relatives and his employer by a team consisting of the surgeon, the phoniatrist, the logoped and the social worker.