OBJECTIVES: Patients having a total laryngectomy for cancer of the larynx or the hypopharynx are faced with tremendous physical and emotional challenges. Nasal airflow, which transports potentially pathogenic substances into the nose, is almost completely interrupted after laryngectomy. Postlaryngectomy patients are estimated to suffer less frequently from sinunasal diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the incidence of sinunasal disorders in patients before and after laryngectomy retrospectively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was designed comprising items addressing specific symptoms of sinunasal disease. RESULTS: The questionnaire was answered by 104 laryngectomized patients. Common colds occurred less frequently (p < 0.0001) as well as acute and chronic sinusitis (p = 0.0168) after laryngectomy. In comparison, the incidence of rhinorrhea increased significantly (p < 0.0001). Medical interventions for sinunasal disorders were rarely necessary and surgical interventions remained reserved for exceptional cases. CONCLUSION: Sinunasal diseases seem to affect laryngectomized individuals less frequently than before laryngectomy. 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel
OBJECTIVES:Patients having a total laryngectomy for cancer of the larynx or the hypopharynx are faced with tremendous physical and emotional challenges. Nasal airflow, which transports potentially pathogenic substances into the nose, is almost completely interrupted after laryngectomy. Postlaryngectomy patients are estimated to suffer less frequently from sinunasal diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the incidence of sinunasal disorders in patients before and after laryngectomy retrospectively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was designed comprising items addressing specific symptoms of sinunasal disease. RESULTS: The questionnaire was answered by 104 laryngectomized patients. Common colds occurred less frequently (p < 0.0001) as well as acute and chronic sinusitis (p = 0.0168) after laryngectomy. In comparison, the incidence of rhinorrhea increased significantly (p < 0.0001). Medical interventions for sinunasal disorders were rarely necessary and surgical interventions remained reserved for exceptional cases. CONCLUSION: Sinunasal diseases seem to affect laryngectomized individuals less frequently than before laryngectomy. 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel