Quality of life for patients after laryngectomy and surgical voice rehabilitation. Experience with the Provox prosthesis

BACKGROUND: Our study included 52 patients who received follow-up care after laryngectomy; a Provox I prosthesis was used for voice rehabilitation. METHODS: The EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire was used to assess the postoperative quality of life of these patients with voice prostheses. RESULTS: Of the patients, 36.1% complained of a lack of energy, and 22% experienced sadness suggesting a reactive depression. Of the 55.6% of patients who expressed satisfaction with managing their disease, more than two-thirds were afraid of a potential deterioration of their health. More than 90% of the patients received extensive support from family and friends. As many as 52.8% expressed themselves satisfied with their current life, which is perhaps attributable to the successful rehabilitation of their voice. Eating problems, i.e., varying degrees of dysphagia as a result of treatment, were experienced by 47.3% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: After the laryngectomy, 11% continue to smoke and 46% regularly consume alcohol. For this reason, rehabilitation measures should place more emphasis on patient education and on programs designed to help patients stop smoking and drinking alcohol.