Health-Related Quality of Life, Dysphagia, Voice Problems, Depression, and Anxiety After Total Laryngectomy

Dysphagia After Total Laryngectomy: An Exploratory Study and Clinical Phase II Rehabilitation Trial with the Novel Swallowing Exercise Aid (SEA 2.0)

The aims of this exploratory study and clinical phase II trial were to assess the specific nature and extent of dysphagia in laryngectomized patients with self-reported dysphagia, and its rehabilitation potential using the novel Swallowing Exercise Aid (SEA 2.0). Twenty laryngectomized patients participated in a six-week exercise program with the SEA 2.0. Exercises consisted of Chin Tuck Against Resistance (CTAR), Jaw Opening Against Resistance (JOAR), and Effortful Swallow Against Resistance, conducted three times per day. Swallowing was assessed at baseline (T0), six (T1) and 14 (T2) weeks, consisting of patient-reported outcomes, BMI, videofluoroscopy, swallowing capacity, and muscle strength measurements. Dysphagia significantly impacts quality of life, with impaired swallowing speed and bolus propulsion as main reported issues. Subjective dysphagia parameters, swallowing capacity, and pharyngeal residue clearance were reduced, but BMI was normal. Muscle and tongue strength were within normal ranges. All participants managed to use the SEA 2.0. Adherence was 95%. At T1, subjective swallowing parameters (MDADI and EAT-10) showed clinically relevant improvements. Objectively, CTAR and JOAR strength increased with 27.4 and 20.1 Newton, respectively. Also, swallowing capacity (from 2.4 g/s to 3.8 g/s) and pharyngeal residue clearance improved. At T2, results were slightly lower than at T1, but still better than at baseline. Dysphagia in laryngectomized patients affects quality of life, but swallowing can be improved with a six-week rehabilitation program using the novel SEA 2.0. Adherence was excellent and several subjective and objective swallowing parameters improved.

Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy for laryngeal preservation in locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer

OBJECTIVES

To retrospectively investigate the pathological response rate, laryngeal preservation surgery (LPS) rate and progression free survival (PFS) of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer (LAHPC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, LAHPC patients, who were first diagnosed and underwent surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University between January 2021 and January 2024, preoperatively administered PD-1 inhibitor and TP induction regimen (albumin-bound paclitaxel 260 mg/m2 and cisplatin 80 mg/m2). The primary endpoint was major pathological response (MPR), with ORR rate, LPS rate and PFS as the secondary endpoints. Then, the correlation between MPR and overall response rate (ORR) was further validated.

RESULTS

A total of 46 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria, with the median follow-up period of 10.5 months. After neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy, the ORR was observed to be 71.9 %, and the LPS rate reached 80.4 % (76.5 % in stage IV patients). The pathological response indicated a favorable response, with the MPR ratio at 52.2 % and pathological complete response (pCR) ratio at 32.6 %. The imaging score highly correlated with pathological response (Kappa = 0.058, P<0.001), while the MPR and ORR shared a strong positive linear relationship (r = 0.753, P<0.001). The 1-year and 2-year PFS rates were 97.1 % and 93.8 % for all patients, with stage IV patients having a 1-year PFS of 92.2 %. Patients who achieved MPR demonstrated a significant prognostic advantage (P=0.008), with no recurrence instances or mortality reported. Grade 3 adverse events were observed in 8.7 % of the cohort. The most common Grade 1-2 adverse events were alopecia, reactive telangiosis and loss of appetite, and no delayed surgery occurred.

CONCLUSION

Neoadjuvant therapy of PD-1 inhibitor combined with TP effectively improved the MPR and LPS rates of LAHPC patients, especially in those at clinical stage IV.

Decisional Conflict in Patients with Advanced Laryngeal Carcinoma: A Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVES

Decision-making for patients with a locally advanced laryngeal carcinoma (T3 and T4) is challenging due to the treatment choice between organ preservation and laryngectomy, both with different and high impact on function and quality of life (QoL). The complexity of these treatment decisions and their possible consequences might lead to decisional conflict (DC). This study aimed to explore the level of DC in locally advanced laryngeal carcinoma patients facing curative decision-making, and to identify possible associated factors.

METHODS

In this multicenter prospective cohort study, participants completed questionnaires on DC, level of shared decision-making (SDM), and a knowledge test directly after counseling and 6 months after treatment. Descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation tests were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Directly after counseling, almost all participants (44/45; 98%) experienced Clinically Significant DC score (CSDC >25, scale 0-100). On average, patients scored 47% (SD 20%) correct on the knowledge test. Questions related to radiotherapy were answered best (69%, SD 29%), whilst only 35% (SD 29%) of the questions related to laryngectomy were answered correctly. Patients' perceived level of SDM (scale 0-100) was 70 (mean, SD 16.2), and for physicians this was 70 (SD 1.7).

CONCLUSION

Most patients with advanced larynx cancer experience high levels of DC. Low knowledge levels regarding treatment aspects indicate a need for better patient counseling.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 134:3604-3610, 2024.

Self-rated health and health-related quality of life among cancer patients: the serial multiple mediation of anxiety and depression

BACKGROUND

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in cancer patients has attracted increasing attention, which may be associated with self-rated health (SRH), anxiety, and depression. However, limited studies have focused on the mediating role of anxiety and depression in the relationship between SRH and HRQOL among cancer patients. Therefore, this study aims to explore the serial multiple mediating effects of anxiety and depression between SRH and HRQOL in cancer patients.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study investigated a total of 565 hospitalized cancer patients in Anhui province in China from November 2020 to October 2021. SRH was assessed using a single-item measure, anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and HRQOL was assessed using the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D, three-level version). Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The relationships between SRH, anxiety, depression, and HRQOL were evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis. The serial multiple mediation of anxiety and depression was assessed by SPSS PROCESS macro.

RESULTS

SRH, anxiety, depression and HRQOL were significantly correlated(P < 0.001). In comparison to the fair SRH, the good SRH exhibited a significantly positive direct effect (Effect = 0.2366, Bootstrap 95%CI: 0.0642 ~ 0.4090) and total effect on HRQOL (Effect = 0.4761, Bootstrap 95%CI: 0.2975 ~ 0.6546). Conversely, the poor SRH demonstrated a significantly negative total effect on HRQOL (Effect= -0.4321, Bootstrap 95%CI: -0.7544~ -0.1099). When considering the fair SRH as the reference group, the poor SRH displayed a negative indirect effect on HRQOL through the single mediation of anxiety (Effect= -0.1058, Bootstrap 95%CI: -0.2217~ -0.0107) and the serial mediation of anxiety and depression (Effect= -0.0528, Bootstrap 95%CI: -0.1233~ -0.0035). Conversely, the good SRH had a positive indirect impact on HRQOL through the single mediation of anxiety (Effect = 0.1153, Bootstrap 95%CI: 0.0583 ~ 0.1900) and depression (Effect = 0.0667, Bootstrap 95%CI: 0.0206 ~ 0.1234), as well as the serial mediation of anxiety and depression (Effect = 0.0575, Bootstrap 95%CI: 0.0192 ~ 0.1030).

CONCLUSION

SRH can improve HRQOL through the decrease of anxiety and depression in cancer patients. Focusing on SRH would be beneficial for their mental health and HRQOL in cancer patients.

Associations between hypopharyngeal defect closure and quality of life in long-term total laryngectomy survivors

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes in long-term total laryngectomy survivors in relation to the type of hypopharyngeal defect.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed in long-term total laryngectomy survivors, treated between 2000 and 2020. The primary outcome was HRQOL, assessed using the FACE-Q Head and Neck Cancer Module, in relation to the type of hypopharyngeal closure (primary closure, partial or circumferential reconstruction).

RESULTS

Seventy-nine survivors were included with a median follow-up of 92.1 months (IQR 75.6-140.2 months). Patients requiring partial hypopharyngeal reconstruction (n = 18) scored significantly worse than patients with primary closure (n = 51) on 4 of 13 FACE-Q domains: functional domains of eating (p = 0.03), speech (p = 0.05), and swallowing (p = 0.03), and the psychological domain of speaking-related distress (p = 0.02). No statistically significant differences were found between the circumferential hypopharyngeal defect reconstruction group (n = 10). Stricture occurrence was the only clinical factor associated with worse eating, speaking, swallowing, eating-related distress, and cancer worry in multivariable analyses.

CONCLUSION

Several functional and psychological domains were significantly worse following partial hypopharyngeal reconstruction than in patients who received primary closure. Efforts to reduce stricture rates to enhance reconstructive outcomes following total laryngectomy merit further research.

Vertical Partial Laryngectomy With Temporoparietal Free-Flap Reconstruction for Recurrent Laryngeal Cancer: Long-Term Study

Objective

Treatment options for recurrent early glottic carcinoma's include conservative and radical surgical options. These options offer similar survival benefits with different impacts of patient's quality of life. We previously present our experience with vertical partial laryngectomy (VPL) and showed high locoregional control rates with high-quality voice results and normal swallowing.

Study Design

A long-term retrospective review.

Setting

Tertiary Care Center.

Methods

We analyzed all patients underwent VPL between the years 1995 to 2018. Long-term oncologic and functional outcomes were collected.

Results

A total of 40 patients were included. The majority of whom were male (n = 38, 95%) with a mean age of 64.9 years (SD ± 9.5). With a median follow up time of 12 years (range 0-24), 9 patients (22.5%) had disease recurrence; the majority of whom (8 patients), had local recurrence and all were salvaged with total laryngectomy. Eight patients (20%) developed second primaries in the head and neck region with a median time to diagnosis of 77 months (range 8-227 months). Ten-years overall survival, disease specific survival, and local disease-free survival were 80%, 90%, and 80%, respectively. Five patients had postoperative laryngeal dysfunction with a total 10-years laryngectomy free survival of 70%.

Conclusion

VPL has a sustainable oncologic outcome with a high long-term laryngectomy free survival rate. This entity is an acceptable conservative salvage option for selected postradiated recurrent laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients.

Clinical validation of the nursing outcome "Swallowing status: pharyngeal phase" in patients with laryngeal cancer

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to clinically validate the nursing outcome "Swallowing status: pharyngeal phase" (1013).

METHODS

A two-stage study was designed: (1) Chinese translation and cultural adaptation and (2) clinical validation. Internal consistency and interrater reliability tests were performed on 285 patients with laryngeal cancer, and an additional 130 patients were randomly selected from the 285 patients as an independent sample. Criterion-related validity tests were performed using the standardized swallowing assessment (SSA). Nursing outcome sensitivity was detected by scoring two time points.

RESULTS

The Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.951 for the nursing outcome and 0.942-0.965 for each indicator. The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values for each indicator ranged from 0.73 to 0.929. The scores of the nursing outcome were negatively correlated with the SSA scores (r = -0.555, p < 0.01). With the exception of two indicators, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the total scores of the scale and its 11 indicator scores for the two time points. The results indicated that the nursing outcome "Swallowing status: pharyngeal phase" (1013) exhibited satisfactory psychometric properties and high sensitivity to change.

CONCLUSIONS

The nursing outcome "Swallowing status: pharyngeal phase" (1013) demonstrated good reliability, validity, and sensitivity in patients with laryngeal cancer.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The nursing outcome "Swallowing status: pharyngeal phase" (1013) can be used to assess swallowing function in patients with laryngeal cancer and provide guidance for the development of rehabilitation intervention plans and nursing care.

Quality of Life and Respiratory Performance in the Laryngectomized Patient: Role of the HME Filters during Physical Activity

Background: Permanent tracheostomy because of total laryngectomy surgery entails significant consequences for patients regarding respiratory physiopathology, such as the loss of the filtering, humidifying, and heating of air by the nose. The use of special stomal filters can provide adequate protection of the tracheal-bronchopulmonary system with a reduction in respiratory pathologies. In fact, in most cases, laryngectomy patients are first cigarette smokers who for this reason also already have respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite the availability of tracheal filters, as reported in the literature, patients often tend to limit their use due to reported breathing difficulties, especially in conditions of intense breathing. Methods: The objective of this clinical study was to evaluate the most suitable stomal filter for laryngectomy patients during physical activity. The filters studied were an INHEALTH device (Blom-Singer SpeakFree HME); two ATOS devices (Provox® Life™ Energy HME and Provox® Life™ Home HME); and an FAHL device (Laryvox HME Sport). Results: For this purpose, the performances of 31 laryngectomy patients, subjected to medium-high physical effort, were analyzed through a standardized pneumological test, the Six Minute Walking Test (6MWT), which involves a sustained walk lasting six minutes, with an evaluation of heart rate, oxygen saturation, and meters traveled every 60 s; furthermore, we examined two subjective indices, namely, the basal and final dyspnea index and the initial and final muscular fatigue index. Conclusions: The multidisciplinary approach of the laryngectomee patient must also take pulmonary rehabilitation into consideration. It is the task of the medical team and speech therapy support to help the patient in the correct choice of HME filters taking into account daily needs.

Algorithms of follow-up in patients with head and neck cancer in relation to primary location and advancement. Consensus of Polish ENT Society Board and Head Neck Experts

Summary

The algorithm of follow-up in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) has been prepared by a board of Polish Head Neck and Oncology Experts. The aim of this research is to focus on the specificity of HNC monitoring, to review the current trends in follow-up, and to adapt the evidence-based medicine international standards to the capabilities of the local healthcare service.

Materials and methods

The first methodological step was to categorize HNCs according to the estimated risk of failure after the adequate first-line treatment and according to the possibility of effective salvage treatment, resulting in improved overall survival. The final method used in this work was to prepare an authors' original monitoring algorithm for HNC groups with a high, moderate, and low risk of recurrence in combination with a high or low probability of using an effective salvage.

Results

Four categories were established: Ia. low risk of recurrence + effective organ preservation feasible; Ib. low risk of recurrence + effective salvage feasible; II. moderate risk of recurrence + effective salvage feasible; III. high risk of recurrence + effective salvage feasible; and IV. high risk of recurrence + no effective salvage feasible. Follow-up visit consisting of 1. ENT examination + neck ultrasound, 2. imaging HN tests, 3. chest imaging, 4. blood tests, and 5. rehabilitation (speech and swallowing) was scheduled with a very different frequency, at the proposed monthly intervals, tailored to the needs of the group. The number of visits for individual groups varies from 1 to 8 in the first 2 years and from 1 to 17 in the entire 5-year monitoring period. Group IV has not been included in regular follow-up, visits on own initiative of the patient if symptomatic, or supportive care needs, having in mind that third-line therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors are available.

Conclusion

Universal monitoring algorithm for HNC four groups with a high, moderate, and low risk of recurrence after the adequate treatment in combination with a high or low probability of using an effective salvage is an innovative approach to redeploying system resources and ensuring maximum benefit for patients with HNC.

Self-management of patients with tracheostomy in the home setting: a scoping review

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to create a model of patient-centered outcomes with respect to self-management tasks and skills of patients with a tracheostomy in their home setting.

METHODS

A scoping review using four search engines was undertaken (Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library) to identify studies relevant to this issue and published since 2000. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statements for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) approach of conducting and reporting a scoping review, and the Participants, Concept, Context (PCC) scheme were employed. The following elements of the framework synthesis study data were screened, and presented based on the self-management model of Lorig and Holman.

RESULTS

34 publications from 17 countries met the criteria for study inclusion: 24 quantitative, 8 qualitative and 2 mixed methods designs. Regarding the dimensions of self-management, 28 articles reported on "managing the therapeutic regimen", 27 articles discussed "managing role and behavior changes", and 16 articles explored "managing emotions". A model of self-management of patients with tracheostomy was developed, which placed the patient in the center, since it is this individual who is completing the tasks and carrying out his or her skill sets.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review represents the first comprehensive overview and modeling of the complex self-management tasks and skills required of patients with tracheostomy in their home setting. The theoretical model can serve as a cornerstone for empirical intervention studies to better support this patient-centered outcome for this population in the future.

Protocolized awake secondary tracheoesophageal puncture with immediate voicing

Tracheoesophageal (TE) puncture with voice prosthesis placement is a common method for vocal rehabilitation in patients who have undergone total laryngectomy. Tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis (TEP) placement after laryngectomy, known as secondary TE puncture, is traditionally done in the operating room, using rigid esophagoscopy. Traditional secondary TEP placement carries a number of downsides including risks associated with general anesthesia, high cost, and technical challenges associated with anatomical variables. As a result, in-office secondary TE puncture has become an increasingly utilized procedure with many advantages but currently lacks standardization. Here, we describe a kit-based, awake, in-office secondary TE puncture with primary TEP placement technique. This technique calls for an endoscopic snare in the event there is difficulty passing the guidewire in the cranial trajectory. No surgical technique videos demonstrating in-office secondary TE puncture currently exist. Here, we present a video tutorial of our technique, breaking down the procedure into 10 steps from analgesia to voicing.

Sport in the Laryngectomized Patient: A Literature Review and Single Case Presentation

BACKGROUND

Total laryngectomy is an operation that involves numerous problems for the patient, especially in daily life: loss of the fact, loss of voice, evident scars and persistence of the tracheostoma. Much is known about rehabilitation programs involving the voice, swallowing, shoulder girdle rehabilitation; less explored is the field of sport and sports rehabilitation in the laryngectomized patient.

METHODS

We conduced systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement in order to evaluate the possibilities of practicing sports for the patient after total laryngectomy.

RESULTS

From an initial search of 4191 papers, we have come to include six papers for this literature review. We have also reported one of our clinical cases referring to a laryngectomized patient who swims competitively at an amateur level even after surgery with a particular device. The purpose of this work is to understand the role and importance of sport in rehabilitation and the possibilities that a frail patient like the laryngectomized patient has in practicing sport. Surely the best results are obtained in subjects who practiced sports before surgery.

CONCLUSION

It is evident that sport is important in the psychological and motor recovery of the laryngectomized patient. There is still a lack of clear rehabilitation protocols, especially for water sports, which allow all laryngectomized patients to return to sports. We believe that early resumption of physical activity makes the experience of the disease less dramatic.

Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Partial Laryngectomy for Laryngeal Cancer

Objectives: To evaluate the possible risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with partial laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional method was used to carry out this study. Patients who underwent partial laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer completed overnight polygraphy (PG) home sleep tests and quality of life questionnaires. The Medical Outcome Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire was used to investigate the factors influencing HRQoL. Results: A total of 59 patients completed the PG tests and quality of life questionnaires, with 74.6% demonstrating evidence of OSA. There were significant differences in tumor area and neck dissection between OSA group and non-OSA groups. Based on sleep-related parameters, patients were divided into cluster 1 (n = 14) and cluster 2 (n = 45) using principal component analysis combined with K-means clustering. Two clusters had significantly different scores of body pain, general health, and health transition in SF-36 domains. Independent factors associated with general health were identified as tobacco use (OR = 4.716), alcohol use (OR = 3.193), and OSA-related condition (OR = 11.336). Conclusions: Larger tumor area and neck dissection might be associated with an increased risk for developing OSA in patients with partial laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer. OSA partially mediated the effect on physical health, including body pain, general health, and health transition. It is important to be aware of the potential impact of OSA on diminished HRQoL of these patients.

Swallowing Function After Treatment of Laryngeal Cancer

Dysphagia is a common functional outcome following treatment of laryngeal cancer. Despite curative advances in both nonsurgical and surgical approaches, preserving and optimizing swallowing function is critical. Understanding the nature and severity of dysphagia depending on initial tumor staging and treatment modality and intensity is crucial. This chapter explores current evidence on the acute and chronic impacts of treatments for laryngeal cancer on swallow function, as well as the medical and nonmedical management of dysphagia in this population.

Double trouble: A cohort study of re-irradiation and laryngectomy - Severity of and risk for pharyngocutaneous fistula

OBJECTIVES

Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a devastating complication of laryngectomy. Different factors, principally previous irradiation, increases the risk for PCF formation. The current study objectives is to investigate the potential negative effect of re-irradiation on fistula development. Materilas and methods This is a single, referral, medical center retrospective, cohort study, conducted between the years 2011-2021. Electronic medical files, surgical notes, laboratory records and radiation plan (dose and time interval in case of re-irradiation) were examined. Main outcomes and measures Risk and predictors associated with PCF formation. Risk and severity of PCF in the setting of re-irradiation.

RESULTS

Overall, 27 laryngectomized patients were investigated, of whom 21 patients had single radiation (pre or post-operative radiation) and the other 6 patients had two radiation treatments (before and after laryngectomy). The fistula rate was 33.33% (7/21) in the single radiation compared (p = 0.14) to 66.66% (4/6) in the re-irradiation group of patients (including late-onset fistulas). All single radiation PCF were self-limited, whereas, 3 out of 4 fistulas in the re-irradiation group were longstanding or permanent. In the re-irradiation group of patients, a shorter time interval between the first and second radiation treatments was demonstrated among those with fistula formation compared to patients with uneventful laryngectomy (p = 0.08).

CONCLUSION

Re-irradiation and especially a brief interval between the radiation treatments is associated with a severe PCF.

Short and Long-Term Voice and Swallowing-Related Quality of Life in Patients Who Underwent Total Laryngectomy and Tracheoesophageal Puncture

Background

Voice and swallowing disorders can create a profound psychosocial impact on the patient’s quality of life. The focus of this study is to assess the psychosocial disabling effects on patients after total laryngectomy (TLP) using pre-validated surveys called the Voice Handicap Index 10 (VHI) for voice disorders and the Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI) for swallowing disorders.

Methodology

This is a retrospective cohort study that was done on a total of 21 patients. The study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital between 2017 and 2022. The Cronbach’s alpha value was used to evaluate internal consistency reliability. The relationship between DHI, VHI, and demographic and clinical variables was analyzed by correlation analysis. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant, and all the tests were two-sided.

Results

The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient satisfied the internal consistency reliability for VHI and DHI for both total and their subscale scores. For DHI, the total score and emotional subscale obtained an alpha of greater than 0.9, indicating excellent internal consistency, whereas both physical and functional alpha scores indicated good internal consistency (α = 0.888 and α = 0.863, respectively). For VHI, the total score and physical subscale of the VHI had excellent internal consistency (α = 0.957 and α = 0.937, respectively), while the functional and emotional subscales had good internal consistency (α = 0.865 and α = 0.894, respectively). The total DHI scores, as well as the functional subscale scores, were significant (p = 0.033, p = 0.025, respectively) in terms of self-reported dysphagia severity. A moderately severe group (69.00 ± 19.17) had higher mean total scores, whereas severe individuals had higher subscale mean scores according to self-reported dysphagia severity. Self-reported dysphagia severity was as follows: normal (n = 3, 14.3%), mild (n = 4, 19%), moderate (n = 8, 38.1%), and severe (n = 6, 28.6%).

Conclusions

The disability caused by voice and swallowing disorders can be evaluated by VHI and DHI which have been statistically validated as reliable tools to assess the effects of dysphagia and dysphonia on quality of life. Patients after laryngectomy have higher mean DHI and VHI overall and functional subscale scores. However, this study failed to establish any relationship between clinical and demographical characteristics of the patients with DHI and VHI index.  

Total laryngectomy negatively impacts sinonasal and olfactory-specific quality of life

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to characterize deficits in olfactory-specific and sinonasal-specific QoL after total laryngectomy (TL) with validated patient reported outcome measures.

METHODS

Thirty patients who had a TL were prospectively enrolled. Patient demographics, as well as scores from the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders Negative Statements (QOD-NS) and the Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) were collected. Univariate analysis was performed to assess associations between patient characteristics and QoL scores.

RESULTS

The average QOD-NS score was 37.9 ± 11.4 (<38.5 is considered abnormal) and average SNOT-22 score was 32.0 ± 3.8 (>20 indicates a moderate/severe impact on QoL). The abnormal QOD-NS group had a greater percentage of former smokers compared to the normal group (77.8% vs. 58.1%; P = 0.56) and more median days from surgery compared to the normal group (904 vs. 477 days; P = 0.24).

CONCLUSIONS

Olfactory dysfunction associated with TL results in blunting of olfactory-specific QoL.

State of Rehabilitation Research in the Head and Neck Cancer Population: Functional Impact vs. Impairment-Focused Outcomes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Management of head and neck cancer (HNC) typically involves a morbid combination of surgery, radiation, and systemic therapy. As the number of HNC survivors grows, there is growing interest in rehabilitation strategies to manage HNC-related comorbidity. In this review, we summarize the current state of HNC rehabilitation research.

RECENT FINDINGS

We have organized our review using the World Health Organization's International Classification of Function (ICF) model of impairment, activity, and participation. Specifically, we describe the current research on rehabilitation strategies to prevent and treat impairments including dysphagia, xerostomia, dysgeusia, dysosmia, odynophagia, trismus, first bite syndrome, dysarthria, dysphonia, lymphedema, shoulder syndrome, cervicalgia, cervical dystonia and dropped head syndrome, deconditioning, and fatigue. We also discuss the broader impact of HNC-related impairment by exploring the state of rehabilitation literature on activity, participation, psychosocial distress, and suicidality in HNC survivors. We demonstrate that research in HNC rehabilitation continues to focus primarily on impairment-driven interventions. There remains a dearth of HNC rehabilitation studies directly examining the impact of rehabilitation interventions on outcomes related to activity and participation. More high-quality interventional studies and reviews are needed to guide prevention and treatment of functional loss in HNC survivors.