Investigation Of Quality Of Life For Laryngeal Cancer Patients After Laryngectomy

Objective To assess and discuss the difference of quality of life(QOL) between laryngeal cancer patients after laryngectomy with total and partial laryngectomy.Study the difference of quality of life of different modus operations;Analyze the related factors of postlaryngectomy QOL and search the method to improve QOL;Assess the feasibility of applying the FACT- H & N questionnaire in QOL research of laryngeal cancer patients in China.Method The cases of laryngeal cancer treated surgically in the department of Otorhinolaryngology in the First Clinical Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from Jan 2004 to Dec 2008 have been retrospectively reviewed.Using FACT- H&N QOL questionnaire,a survey was conducted in 105 patients with integrity clinical datas treated with total(76) or partial(29) laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer.Results The composite QOL scores of the partial laryngectomy group(106.25) is higher than total laryngectomy group(81.97) significantly(p＜0.05);the former is better than the later in domains of physical well-being,social/family well-being,emotional well-being,functional well-being and additional concerns(P＜0.05).but the former is inferior to the later in domains of pain(P＜0.05).The order of QOL scores from high to low in different modus operations of partial laryngectomy is:laryngeal cleft tumorectomy,vertical partial laryngectomy,partial horizontal laryngectomy,subtotal laryngectomy.Neck dissection is statistically significant in domains of physical well-being,emotional well-being,functional well-being,but not statistically significant in domains of social/family well-being and additional concerns.The QOL scores in Clinical stageⅠ-Ⅱis better than inⅢ-Ⅳin all domains(P＜0.05). QOL after laryngectomy over one year is better than under.Four factor are related to postlaryngectomy QOL including tracheal cannula,complication,chronic disease,operative modality.Conclusions QOL of the patients with partial laryngectomy superior to those after total total laryngectomy in domains of appearance,voice,speech,swallowing and overall QOL.inferior to those after total laryngectomy in domains of pain.Different modus operations of partial laryngectomy have different quality of life.FACT- H&N QOL questionnaire is suitable for QOL research in laryngeal cancer in China.