Supracricoid partial laryngectomy: literature review on quality of life protocols

ABSTRACT:

Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy (SCPL) is indicated for treatment of tumors staging 1 and 2, and some cases of advanced tumors. Literature considers that it presents satisfactory results for the preservation of larynx and its functionality. This study aimed at a systematic review of literature on voice related quality of life in patients submitted to SCPL, identifying protocols of quality of life regarding head and neck cancer. The following database was consulted for the systematic exploratory literature review: MEDLINE, SCIELO, LILACS; PUBMED. Portuguese, English and Spanish-language descriptors (DeCS) were used. The selection of articles followed inclusion criteria with the application of Relevance Test. This literature review revealed that the protocols used specifically with head and neck oncologic patients, were mainly EORTC-C30/H&N35, UW-QOL and HNQOL. Although SCPL is considered a surgical technique that allows the preservation of swallowing and phonation functions, possible complaints regarding these functions are pointed in literature. Literature affirms that patients were satisfied with their own voices, having little difficulty to communicate with intelligibility. Studies report patients with breathing difficulties after SCPL, including obstructive sleep apnea. It was concluded that further researches aiming at pointing the difficulties resultant from SCPL and using more specific head and neck protocols are necessary, which may better reveal the impact of SCPL on quality of life.

Keywords: Voice; Dysphonia; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Laryngectomy; Quality of Life