Quality of life during the first year after partial laryngectomy: Longitudinal study

Background This prospective study was conducted to assess changes in quality of life (QOL) of patients who undergo a partial laryngectomy. Methods The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaires Core and Head and Neck (EORTC‐QLQ‐C30, QLQ‐H&N35) were used preprocedure (n = 218), 1 week (n = 159), 3 months (n = 122), and 1 year after partial laryngectomy (n = 88). Changes over time were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed rank test and the Holm‐Bonferroni method, and interpreted regarding clinical relevance. Results Most subscales worsened 1 week postprocedure, but many recovered to baseline level after 1 year. Dyspnea and cognitive functioning deteriorated over time, with worst scores recorded after 1 year. Financial difficulties and fatigue increased after surgery and maintained that level throughout the follow‐up period; sticky saliva remained worse than at baseline, despite some improvements over time. Conclusion The discovered limitations of QOL should be observed more closely during follow‐up treatment, and patients should be informed about these potential effects before partial laryngectomy.