Rehabilitation After Laryngectomy

Abstract

Fifty patients have been assessed after laryngectomy. 60% attained adequate vocal rehabilitation. Motivation was the principal factor determining success. Age and operative factors were found to have no influence on voice; females were found to be less successful in this respect. 55% returned to their pre-operative employment, many to jobs requiring good voice or strenuous physical effort. Hyposmia, subjective and objective was noted; this often improved 6 months after operation. The presence of the tracheostome was found to be troublesome in the majority of patients. Most patients suffered from post-operative depression for 6 to 12 months; marital stability was unaffected. Radical neck dissection was found to increase morbidity to a considerable extent.