IngentaConnect Post-Laryngectomy: Its Hard to Swallow: An Australian Study of Pr...

Authors: Maclean, Julia¹; Cotton, Susan²; Perry, Alison³

Source: Dysphagia, Volume 24, Number 2, June 2009 , pp. 172-179(8)

Publisher: Springer

Abstract:

The prevalence of swallowing disorders (dysphagia) following a total laryngectomy remains unknown, with estimates varying from 17 to 70%. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and nature of self-reported dysphagia following a total laryngectomy across New South Wales (NSW), Australia. A secondary aim was to document the effect of dysphagia on the respondents' social activities and participation. A questionnaire battery, with a prepaid envelope for return, was sent to all laryngectomy members (n = 197) of the Laryngectomee Association of NSW. One hundred twenty questionnaires (61%) were completed and returned. Dysphagia was self-reported by 71.8% of the cohort. In this cohort with dysphagia, the most commonly reported features included an increased time required to swallow, a need for fluids to wash down a bolus, and avoidance of certain food consistencies. Severe distress was reportedly associated with dysphagia for 39.7% of these respondents and prevented 57% of them from participating in social activities, such as eating at friends' houses and/or at restaurants. The prevalence of self-reported dysphagia following total laryngectomy in this Australian study was 72%. Dysphagia can result in laryngectomees making significant changes to their diets and it has a marked impact on their activities and social participation.

Keywords: Total laryngectomy; Dysphagia prevalence; Deglutition; Deglutition disorders

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1007/s00455-008-9189-5

Affiliations: 1: Cancer Care Centre, St. George Hospital, Short Street, Kogarah, NSW, 2217, Australia, Email: Julia.Maclean@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au 2: ORYGEN Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia 3: School of Human Communication Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

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Post-Laryngectomy: It's Hard to Swallow: An Australian Study of Prevalence and Self-reports of Swallowing Function After a Total Laryngectomy