Psychosocial adjustment after laryngectomy: a review of the literature.

This paper reviews the literature on the psychosocial outcomes of a laryngectomy. The largest group of studies focuses on factors which contribute to esophageal speech acquisition, one important measure of rehabilitation outcome. Recently, the technique of tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) has implicated new directions for studying post-surgical speech recovery. Other studies have defined post-surgical adjustment in terms of quality of life or psychological state. Taken together, the research suggests that long-term adjustment for the laryngectomee is shaped by multiple variables, which include: (a) extent of surgery; (b) preoperative visits by a fellow laryngectomee; (c) illness variables; (d) changes in lifestyle following surgery; (e) patient satisfaction with social support; (f) chronic pain, and (g) ability to communicate. We conclude that psychosocial variables contribute substantially to successful post-surgical adjustment.