Rehabilitation after supracricoid partial laryngectomy: cohort study

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate vocal, swallowing and respiratory rehabilitation of patients undergoing supracricoid laryngectomy; evaluate the impact of voice changes and global quality of life.

Methods

It is a prospective cohort study where voice, swallowing and respiratory rehabilitation where evaluated. Quality of life was assessed using EORTC QLQ-C30 and H&N35 questionnaires.

Results

31 patients were included in the study. 70.4% of patients were T3. In swallowing assessment, two patients (6.4%) were considered non-rehabilitated. Ten patients (32.2%) were considered partially rehabilitated and 19 (61.3%) fully rehabilitated. Sensitivity was abnormal at 74.2%. Penetration occurred in 58.1% of patients with 29% experiencing aspiration. In voice assessment, 19 (61.3%) patients were considered rehabilitated. 77.41% had a calculated voice handicap index considered abnormal. When assessing breathing, eight patients (25.8%) were considered non-rehabilitated. Disease-free survival was 87.1% in follow-up of 5.77 years. When subjected to specific exams and evaluations, only 38.7% were completely rehabilitated. When comparing results of EORTC-C30 and H&N35 questionnaires with the reference values, global score and domain scores are better on the patients of the study, as well as some of the symptoms.

Conclusion

Partial supracricoid laryngectomy remains an option in patients with laryngeal tumors, especially in the most advanced ones, with a survival rate around 90%. Quality of life is impacted after surgery, but with few symptoms.

Level of evidence

Level 3.¹