Surgical and Radiological Effects upon the Development of Speech after Total Laryngectomy

Abstract

The data presented examine the relationship between postlaryngectomy communication method, and the extent of total laryngectomy and the use of radiation therapy. The expectations of speech therapy providers were also examined. The author interviewed 60 laryngectomy patients who were six months to 3½ years postsurgery. Surgeries were grouped into four categories and correlated with communication method. The relationship was statistically significant with the most apparent deterrent effect exhibited only for the most extreme surgical excisions. There was no relationship with the use of radiation therapy. In many cases speech therapy providers' expectations were not supported by the data.