C.J. van As

Deterioration of olfaction and gustation as a consequence of total laryngectomy.

Introdution: After total laryngectomy the absence of a nasal airflow results in a decrease in olfaction and perception of flavors. Materials and Methods: Odor perception was assessed in 63 laryngectomized patients with two different olfactory tests. The methods used by patients to smell were observed during olfactory testing. Patients judgment about their olfaction and gustation was assessed by means of a structured questionnaire, semistructured interview, and self‐rating. Results: Based on the results of the olfactory tests, patients were categorized as “smellers” and “nonsmellers.” Approximately one third of the patients were able to smell the odorous substances used in the olfactory tests. The smellers more often used a variety of methods to smell than the nonsmellers (P > .002); in most patients the method consisted of active use of facial muscles. Patients appeared well able to judge their own odor perception. Compared with the smellers, the nonsmellers judged their odor perception as worse (P > .003) and reported a more severe decrease in gustation after the operation (P > .033). The results of this study in laryngectomized patients confirm the interrelation between olfaction and gustation: the nonsmellers reported a poorer gustation and a more severe decrease in gustation and appetite than both the smellers and a reference group of elderly persons (P > .05). Patients who reported a deterioration of olfaction and gustation tended to experience negative consequences such as the inability to smell smoke, leaking gas, or agreeable odors. Conclusion: Olfaction and odor‐related flavor sensation are seriously deteriorated after total laryngectomy.

Quality of life assessment in laryngectomized individuals: do we need additions to standard questionnaires in specific clinical research projects?

Objectives:u2002 To assess, whether the EORTC questionnaires QLQ‐C30 and QLQ‐H&N35 give enough detailed information to study specific quality of life (QoL) related issues in laryngectomized individuals.

The influence of stoma occlusion on aspects of tracheoesophageal voice

In this study, speech of 21 laryngectomized patients is investigated under 2 different stoma occlusion conditions, i.e. direct digital occlusion of the stoma (by thumb or finger), and digital occlusion (by finger) via a special heat and moisture exchanger with speech valve (Provox Stomafilter). For both conditions, acoustical analyses of voice quality (various pitch, amplitude, tremor and harmonicity measures) were performed on a sustained /a/, the mean maximum phonation time was calculated, and a phonetogram was made. Acoustical analysis was possible in 13 of the 21 voices (for the other voices, the pitch was too low or the voice was too aperiodic), but no statistical significant differences were found for any of the acoustical parameters studied. However, the maximum phonation time was significantly longer, and the dynamic range significantly larger, under the Stomafilter occlusion condition. The maximum phonation time showed a relevant improvement in 57% of the patients, while the dynamic range showed a relevant improvement in 35% of the patients. In total, 75% of the patients experience an improvement in one or both of these speech characteristics when using the Stomafilter occlusion. It can be concluded that optimal stoma occlusion by means of a specialized device has a positive influence on two relevant parameters of prosthetic voice production: maximum phonation time and dynamic loudness range.

Value of digital high-speed endoscopy in addition to videofluoroscopic imaging of the neoglottis in tracheoesophageal speech.

Objective To gain insight into the clinical value of using the relatively new evaluation tool digital high-speed endoscopy in addition to the widely used method of videofluoroscopy for imaging of the neoglottis in tracheoesophageal speech after total laryngectomy. Material and Methods Anatomical and morphologic characteristics of the neoglottis in 37 laryngectomized patients using tracheoesophageal speech were studied by means of visual assessment of digital high-speed endoscopy recordings and visual assessment and quantitative measures of videofluoroscopy recordings, using previously published protocols. Results Digital high-speed endoscopy provides information complementary to that of videofluoroscopy with respect to the location of the vibration, presence of a mucosal wave, regularity of the vibration and closure of the neoglottis The information provided by digital high-speed endoscopy overlaps with that provided by videofluoroscopy with respect to the amount of saliva (regurgitation of barium in videofluoroscopy) and the visibility of the origin of the neoglottis (presence of a neoglottic bar in videofluoroscopy). Additionally, relationships were found between the visual assessments of the high-speed recordings and some patient characteristics. Conclusions Digital high-speed endoscopy provides additional insight into neoglottic characteristics that cannot be studied with videofluoroscopy. The application of both imaging methods enhances the insight into tracheoesophageal voicing.