Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to compare long-term functional and quality of life (QOL) outcomes after total laryngectomy with primary closure and those who underwent reconstruction with noncircumferential radial free forearm tissue transfer (RFFTT). Methods: Sixty-seven patients were identified by chart review and underwent long-term follow-up using QOL surveys and standardized interviews. Results: The RFFTT group had significantly higher rates of chemotherapy, gastric tube (G-tube) at surgery, and postoperative stricture. At follow-up, most patients (88%) had a tracheoesophageal prosthesis (TEP) and were using it as their primary communication method. Diet and swallowing outcomes were comparable and no one had a G-tube. Device life and TEP complications did not differ significantly. Only voice-related QOL differed significantly between the RFFTT group and those who had undergone total laryngectomy without adjuvant treatment. Conclusion: Despite more extensive treatment, the reconstructed group achieved comparable outcomes to those who had undergone total laryngectomy with adjuvant treatment.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 2319-2328 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Head and Neck |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 2017 |
Keywords
- diet
- flap
- laryngectomy
- quality of life
- tracheoesophageal puncture
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Otorhinolaryngology