Our Summary

This study looks at two different types of surgery that are used to treat advanced laryngeal cancer. One is a total removal of the larynx, and the other is a partial removal that is supposed to help keep the patient’s voice. There can be some difficulties after the surgery, especially with swallowing.

The researchers asked 33 patients (16 who had a total removal and 17 who had a partial removal) about their quality of life after the surgery. They measured this using two different tools that ask questions about health and day-to-day activities.

The results show that the people who had only part of their larynx removed had a better overall quality of life. They also had less issues with their senses and speech.

Therefore, the study concludes that having a partial laryngectomy can lead to a better quality of life compared to a total laryngectomy.

FAQs

  1. Is a supracricoid partial laryngectomy associated with a better quality of life than a total laryngectomy?
  2. How does supracricoid partial laryngectomy impact patients’ sensory and speech-related symptoms compared to total laryngectomy?
  3. What measures were used to evaluate the quality of life in patients undergoing laryngectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laryngectomy is to focus on swallowing rehabilitation and exercises to improve swallowing function after surgery. This can help improve overall quality of life and prevent complications related to swallowing difficulties. Additionally, working with a speech therapist can help improve speech and communication abilities post-surgery.

Suitable For

Patients with advanced laryngeal cancer who have good overall health and are motivated to undergo extensive rehabilitation are typically recommended for supracricoid partial laryngectomy. This procedure may be a better option for patients who wish to preserve their laryngeal function and maintain quality of life compared to total laryngectomy.

Timeline

Before laryngectomy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with advanced laryngeal cancer.
  2. Patient undergoes discussions with medical team about treatment options, including supracricoid partial laryngectomy or total laryngectomy.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests.
  4. Patient undergoes surgery, either supracricoid partial laryngectomy or total laryngectomy.
  5. Patient undergoes post-operative recovery and rehabilitation.

After laryngectomy:

  1. Patient may experience changes in speech and swallowing function.
  2. Patient may undergo speech therapy and swallowing therapy to improve communication and eating abilities.
  3. Patient may use alternative methods of communication, such as speech generating devices or writing.
  4. Patient may adjust to changes in appearance and body image.
  5. Patient may experience emotional and psychological challenges related to the surgery and changes in lifestyle.
  6. Patient may undergo regular follow-up appointments and monitoring for recurrence of cancer.
  7. Patient may experience improvements in quality of life, with better overall health status and lower levels of symptoms compared to total laryngectomy patients.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laryngectomy surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during the rehabilitation period?
  3. Will I be able to speak normally after the surgery, and if not, what alternative communication methods are available to me?
  4. How will the surgery affect my ability to swallow and eat?
  5. Are there any long-term effects of laryngectomy that I should be aware of?
  6. Will I need any additional support or therapy after the surgery to adjust to the changes in my voice and swallowing function?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes or dietary modifications I should consider after laryngectomy surgery?
  8. How often will I need follow-up appointments and monitoring after the surgery?
  9. Are there any resources or support groups available for laryngectomy patients to help with the rehabilitation process?
  10. What are the chances of the cancer returning after laryngectomy surgery and what steps can I take to reduce this risk?

Reference

Authors: Nakai MY, Menezes MB, de Carvalho JVBG, Dias LPM, de Barros Silva LA, Tenório LR, Gonçalves AJ. Journal: J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021 Mar 25;50(1):20. doi: 10.1186/s40463-021-00499-w. PMID: 33766134