Our Summary

This research paper is about how total laryngectomy (surgery to remove the voice box) affects patients’ sense of smell and quality of life. The researchers gathered and analyzed information from 30 patients who had this surgery. They used two measures to assess patients’ quality of life: the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders Negative Statements (QOD-NS) which evaluates the sense of smell, and the Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) which measures the impact of sinus and nasal problems. The results showed that most patients had abnormal QOD-NS scores and moderate-to-severe SNOT-22 scores, indicating issues with their sense of smell and quality of life. The study also found that patients who were former smokers or who had more days since their surgery had worse scores. The researchers concluded that problems with the sense of smell related to total laryngectomy can significantly affect patients’ quality of life.

FAQs

  1. What is total laryngectomy and how does it affect a patient’s sense of smell and quality of life?
  2. What are the QOD-NS and SNOT-22 tests and how are they used in this research?
  3. Did the study find any specific factors that contributed to worse scores on the QOD-NS and SNOT-22 tests among laryngectomy patients?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laryngectomy is to regularly practice breathing exercises to improve lung function and reduce the risk of developing respiratory complications post-surgery. Proper breathing techniques can also help patients adjust to breathing through a stoma (opening in the neck) and improve overall respiratory function.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laryngectomy are those with advanced laryngeal cancer that cannot be treated with other methods such as radiation or chemotherapy. Other reasons for recommending laryngectomy may include recurrent cancer in the larynx, severe injury to the larynx, or other conditions that significantly affect the function of the larynx.

Patients who have undergone laryngectomy may experience changes in their sense of smell, as seen in the research paper mentioned above. This can be due to damage to the nerves or structures in the nasal cavity during surgery, as well as changes in airflow or mucous production. Patients may also experience changes in taste, as the sense of smell is closely linked to the perception of flavor.

Overall, patients who undergo laryngectomy may experience challenges in adjusting to changes in their sense of smell and taste, which can impact their quality of life. It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of these potential issues and provide support and resources to help patients cope with these changes.

Timeline

Before laryngectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with a condition that requires removal of the voice box
  • Patient undergoes preoperative evaluations and consultations with healthcare professionals
  • Patient may undergo radiation or chemotherapy treatment prior to surgery
  • Patient prepares for surgery and receives education on what to expect post-surgery

After laryngectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove the voice box
  • Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and difficulty swallowing in the immediate postoperative period
  • Patient receives education on how to care for their stoma and communicate using alternative methods such as a voice prosthesis or electrolarynx
  • Patient undergoes rehabilitation and speech therapy to learn how to speak and swallow without a voice box
  • Patient may experience changes in their sense of smell and quality of life, as shown in the research paper mentioned above
  • Patient continues to follow up with healthcare professionals for long-term care and support.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How will total laryngectomy affect my sense of smell?
  2. What can I expect in terms of my quality of life after undergoing total laryngectomy?
  3. Are there any specific strategies or treatments available to help improve my sense of smell post-surgery?
  4. How can I manage any potential sinus or nasal problems that may arise following total laryngectomy?
  5. Is there any additional support or resources available to help me cope with the changes in my sense of smell and quality of life post-surgery?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to protect my sense of smell and overall well-being after total laryngectomy?
  7. How frequently should I follow up with you or a specialist to monitor and address any issues related to my sense of smell and quality of life following total laryngectomy?
  8. Are there any clinical trials or research studies available that focus on improving the sense of smell and quality of life for patients who have undergone total laryngectomy?

Reference

Authors: Chen J, Solis RN, Mehrzad M, Gill A, Garber B, Beliveau AM, Bewley AF, Steele TO, Birkeland AC, Abouyared M. Journal: Am J Otolaryngol. 2022 Jul-Aug;43(4):103471. doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2022.103471. Epub 2022 May 5. PMID: 35636084