Anosmia after laryngectomy – What does it mean for our patients?

Objective:

What do laryngectomees think about their loss of smell? Which impact has this side effect on their quality of life?

Material & methods:

In cooperation with the German Federal Association for Throat Cancer Patients we have sent a validated questionnaire (29 items, VAS, open answers possible) to 293 patients across Germany in May 2018. The distribution was selected according the population of the Federal States. The statistical analysis was performed by MS Excel.

Results:

We've got 198/293 (67.6%) questionnaires back. 141 men, 44 women, and further 13 patients have taken part (median age 69 years (range 48 – 88). The follow-up time was median 11 years (range 0 – 48). 135/198 had received an additional radiotherapy. Actual consumption data are reported: for alcohol 31/198, nicotine 1/198. Former data were 88/198 and 154/198. 99/198 patients reported about good living situation. 126/198 described themselves as satisfied with their life. The participants are involved in patients group in 89.4%, in social clubs in 33.8%, in church groups in 10.1%. Other networks existed in 26.3%. 25/198 participant have not adapted to their life without larynx. The reported adaption time was 2 years (range 1 – 10). Participants described following points as important: 137x loss of voice, 113x loss of smell, 61x nutrition problems, 56x breathing problems, 40x social isolation. 64% of our patients are able to smell, 79 could taste. Only 29/198 describe their smell as fine (109/198 the taste). Especially they smell perfume, smoke, and feces. 111/198 participants wish improvement of their smelling.

Conclusion:

Laryngectomees suffer from loss of smelling. New rehabilitation concepts are necessary to improve their situation.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)