Published in:
Open Access
01-03-2019 | Head & Neck
Swallowing-related quality of life after free flap surgery due to cancer of the head and neck
Authors:
Sanna Lahtinen, Petri Koivunen, Tero Ala-Kokko, Outi Kaarela, Päivi Laurila, Janne H. Liisanantti
Published in:
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
|
Issue 3/2019
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Abstract
Purpose
Treatment of head and neck cancers (HNC) often leads to impairment in speech and swallowing functions. This study evaluated swallowing problems and the impact of complications on swallowing-related QOL after free flap surgery for HNC.
Methods
Swallowing-related QOL was assessed using MDADI and SWAL questionnaires.
Results
Of 45 assessed patients, 25 (45.5%) had at least one postoperative complication. Patients reported less than < 86 points in 8/9 SWAL-QOL domains. The SWAL-QL total score or MDADI composite scores were not related to surgical complications. Those with medical complications had lower scores in SWAL-QOL domains of mental health (82.8 (21.8) vs 65.5 (24.2), p = 0.024) and sleep (77.6 (23.0) vs 52.3 (24.3), p = 0.003).
Conclusions
In conclusion, swallowing related QOL is significantly impaired after 2 years of the tumor resection and free flap reconstruction for cancer of the head and neck, when using the cut-off value of 86 points in SWAL-QOL assessment tool. Surgical complications did not have an impact on swallowing-related QOL but medical complications were related to impairment in general QOL-related domains.