Rehabilitation after ablative laryngeal surgery, the kidwai experience

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to assess the impact of total laryngectomy on the life style of thirty one [31] laryngectomized patients. Questionnaires were prepared in regional language [Kannada] which was designed to enquire about critical factors affecting successful acquisition of esophageal speech. We have observed that patients with excellent esophageal speech are motivated [100%], educated [100%], economically stable [100%] and had minimal organic defects. Seventy four percentage of patients went back to their original job though 58% of them complained of reduced income directly attributed to the loss of speech. This study emphatises that it is important to ensure regular speech therapy to facilitate satisfactory vocal rehabilitation. After two months of oncotherapy [viz., surgery and post operative RT] it is likely that patients will express their reluctance/inability to participate in such programmes owing to financial constraints and physical/mental exhaustion. Therefore it is of paramount importance to help these patients to overcome their difficulties and provide optional conditions to developed satisfactory esophageal voice