IngentaConnect An integrated, intensive post-laryngectomy rehabilitation program...

Authors: Chung, R.P. Wong¹; De Bruin,¹; Aalders¹; Mahieu¹

Source: Clinical Otolaryngology & Allied Sciences, Volume 23, Number 2, April 1998 , pp. 186-187(2)

Abstract:

Objective. Optimizing the post-laryngectomy rehabilitation result by treating patients in an intensive multidisciplinary outpatient rehabilitation programme during the first 2 weeks following discharge from the hospital.

Materials and methods. The programme consists of daily speech therapy for the tracheoesophageal (TE) shunt and the injection oesophageal methods, self-care training, medical check-up, dietary and social work counselling. The rehabilitation progress is evaluated by means of voice and speech assessment, videofluoroscopy of the pharyngoesophageal segment and functional status assessment.

Results. Starting June 1992, 125 patients were treated in the programme and 101 patients completed it. Of the latter group 92 patients underwent primary placement of a voice prosthesis. At the end of the programme the TE shunt voice quality (maximal phonation time, dynamic vocal intensity range, maximal vocal intensity, speech rate) had improved significantly as compared to the voice at the start of the programme (P < 0.01). Eighty patients were able to produce basic injection oesophageal sound. Only five patients failed to achieve an adequate voice with either method and required an electrolarynx. Also, the functional profile of patients has improved significantly (P < 0.01).

Conclusion. The multidisciplinary approach to post-laryngectomy voice rehabilitation rapidly and significantly improvesthe voice quality and functional status of patients allowing adequate communication and social adjustment.

Keywords: audiometry; otosclerosis; second ear; stapedectomy

Document Type: Abstract

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2273.1998.0119d.x

Affiliations: 1: Free University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

An integrated, intensive post-laryngectomy rehabilitation programme