Depression and Intolerance of Uncertainty: Association with Decisional Conflict in Otolaryngology Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if anxiety, stress, depression, worry, and intolerance of uncertainty were related to pre-operative decisional conflict (DC), shared decision making (SDM), or demographic variables in adult otolaryngology surgical patients. METHODS: Consecutive adult patients meeting criteria for otolaryngological surgery were recruited and completed DC and SDM scales, Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS-12), and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). RESULTS: The cohort included 118 patients, 61 (51.7%) males and 57 (48.3%) females. Surgery was planned for a benign process in 90 (76.3%) and 46 (39.3%) had previous otolaryngologic surgery. SDM and DC scores did not significantly differ across gender, age, education level, previous otolaryngologic surgery or whether or not surgery was for malignancy. Patients with no malignancy had significantly higher DASS-21 Stress scores (mean 12.94 vs 8.15, P < .05) and total IUS-12 scores (mean 28.63 vs 25.56, P = .004). Women had lower PSWQ scores (41.56 vs 50.87 for men, P = .006). IUS-12 and PSWQ declined with age. DC scores correlated positively with DASS-21 Depression (r = .256, P = .008) and IUS-12 scores (r = .214, P = .024). SDM correlated negatively with DASS-21 Depression (r = -.208, P = .030). Linear regression model for DC scores revealed a significant relationship with DASS depression (B = 0.674, P = .048). CONCLUSION: Preoperative decisional conflict is associated with increased depression and intolerance of uncertainty in adults undergoing otolaryngologic surgery. Screening for and management of depression, anxiety, and related concerns may improve surgical outcomes in this group.

Longitudinal Assessment of Frailty and Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Head and Neck Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To understand changes in frailty and quality of life (QOL) in frail versus non-frail patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancer (HNC). METHODS: Prospective cohort study of patients (median age 67 (50, 88)) with HNC undergoing surgery from December 2011 to April 2014. Fried's Frailty Index, Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13), and comprehensive QOL assessments (EORTC QLQ-C30 and HN35) were completed at baseline and 3, 6, and 12-month post-operative visits. Change in frailty and QOL over time was compared between frailty groups (non-frail (score 0), pre-frail (score 1-2), and frail (score 3-5)) using a mixed effects model. Predictors of long-term elevated frailty (12 months > baseline) were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: The study had 108 patients classified as non-frail (47%), 104 pre-frail (mean (SD) 1.3 (0.4), 45%), and 17 frail (3.4 (0.6); 7%). Frailty score decreased significantly for frail patients 3 months post-operatively (2.1 (1.0); P = .002) and remained significantly lower than baseline at 6 and 12 months (2.1 (1.4); P = .0008 and 2.2 (1.5); P = .005, respectively) while frailty score increased for non-frail patients at 3 months (1.1 (1.0); P < .001) and then decreased. Forty-eight patients (21%) had long-term elevated frailty, with baseline frailty and marital status identified as predictors on univariate analysis. The frail population had significantly worse QOL scores at baseline, which persisted 12 months post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: Frail patients demonstrate a decrease in frailty score following surgical treatment of HNC. Frail patients have significantly worse QOL scores on longitudinal assessment and would benefit from supportive services throughout their care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2232-E2242, 2021.

Revised 15-item Glasgow Benefit Inventory with five factors based on analysis of a large population study of medical and surgical otorhinolaryngological interventions.

OBJECTIVES: To review, using confirmatory factor analysis, the widely used 18-question Glasgow Benefit Inventory [GBI] that has three factors. Thereafter to develop, using exploratory factor analysis, a more coherent, revised version of the GBI. DESIGN: Confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis of a large national GBI data set of ORL interventions. SETTING: Adult otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinics in six University Hospital departments. PARTICIPANTS: One thousand nine hundred eighty adult patients who had complete GBI data and who underwent an active (medical or surgical) intervention, out of the total data set of 9005 patients from the original Scottish ENT Outcome Study [SENTOS]. RESULTS: One of the 18 questions was discarded from the data base because it was not answered by 8% of respondents. Two of the original factors remained (Physical Health, renamed General Health, and Social Support, renamed Support). The General factor was split into three new factors (Quality of Life, Self-Confidence and Social Involvement). The three new factors were found to give additional information regarding the area of benefit. This reduced number of questions does not make any material difference to the results of the >196 existing GBI papers in the literature. CONCLUSION: A 15-question GBI with five factors is provided that is more explanatory of the areas of benefit.

Experiencia en pacientes operados de roncopatía y apnea obstructiva del sueño / Clinical experience in patients with surgery of rhonchopathy and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

RESUMEN Introducción: La uvulopalatofaringoplastía (UPPP) es un procedimiento ampliamente difundido en el tratamiento del ronquido y el síndrome de apnea e hipopnea obstructiva del sueño (SAHOS), ya que permite aumentar el área de sección transversal de la vía aérea superior y eliminar tejidos obstructivos. Conocer el grado de satisfacción de los pacientes con la cirugía es importante para nuestro desempeño. Objetivo: Evaluar la satisfacción de los pacientes con el procedimiento UPPP con cirugía nasal con datos subjetivos mediante la aplicación de una encuesta para ser respondida de forma anónima. Material y método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo. Se envió vía email una encuesta de 4 preguntas cerradas creada en la plataforma online MonkeySurvey a los pacientes que fueron sometidos a UPPP (faringoplastía de relocalización) con cirugía nasal entre 2015 y 2016. Resultados: 27 pacientes respondieron la encuesta. Sesenta y seis coma seis por ciento tenían ronquido primario y/o SAHOS leve, 33,3% SAHOS severo. La edad media al momento de la cirugía fue 41 años. El tiempo de seguimiento medio fue 10 meses (324 meses). Noventa y dos coma cinco por ciento de los pacientes están satisfechos con la cirugía UPPP; 81,4% refieren que recomendarían la cirugía a otra persona. Noventa y dos coma cinco por ciento refieren mejoría en los ronquidos. Noventa y cinco coma seis por ciento de los pacientes con somnolencia diurna refiere mejoría. Conclusión: La cirugía UPPP con técnica faringoplastía de relocalización combinada con cirugía nasal en pacientes con ronquido primario y SAHOS ha demostrado una alta tasa de satisfacción según la percepción de los pacientes en el seguimiento desde los 3 meses hasta los 2 años posoperatorios.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a widely used surgical procedure for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), since it allows to increase of the cross-sectional area of the upper airway and elimination of obstructive tissues. Knowing the degree of satisfaction of patients with surgery is important for our performance. Aim: To evaluate patient satisfaction with UPPP procedure (relocation pharyngoplasty) with nasal surgery with subjective data through the application of a survey to be answered anonymously. Material and method: Observational, descriptive study. A survey of 4 closed questions created in the MonkeySurvey online platform was sent to patients who underwent UPPP with nasal surgery between 2015 and 2016 via email. Results: 27 patients answered the survey. 66.6% had primary snoring and/or mild OSAS, 33.3% severe OSAS. The average age at the time of surgery was 41 years. The mean follow-up time was 10 months (3-24 months). 92.5% of patients are satisfied with UPPP surgery; 81.4% reported that they would recommend surgery to another person. 92.5% reported improvement in snoring. 95.6% of patients with daytime somnolence reported improvement. Conclusion: UPPP surgery with relocation pharyngoplasty technique combined with nasal surgery in patients with primary snoring and OSAS has shown a high satisfaction rate according to the perception of patients at follow-up from 3 months to 2 years postoperative.

Refusal of Cancer-Directed Surgery in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To investigate the risk factors for refusal of recommended surgery in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of a national database. METHODS: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was queried for all cases of HNSCC from 1989 to 2014. Patients who underwent recommended surgery (N = 98,270) were identified and compared to patients who refused recommended surgery (N = 3,582). Groups were compared for patient demographics, socioeconomic variables, and tumor characteristics including stage, grade, and primary site. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine independent predictors of surgery refusal. RESULTS: Of the total population, 1.8% of patients refused cancer directed surgery. Following regression, the strongest predictors of surgery refusal were found to be age greater than 75years (odds ratio [OR]: 4.23 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 3.00-5.96]), and stage III (OR: 4.19 [95% CI: 3.15-5.57]) or stage IV at diagnosis (OR: 4.49 [95% CI: 3.46-5.80]). Black race was significantly predictive (OR: 1.71 [95% CI: 1.37-2.13]) as well as marital status other than married (OR: 1.76 [95% CI: 1.49-2.07]) and Medicaid insurance status (OR:1.46 [95% CI: 1.20-1.77]). Primary site of larynx (OR: 2.01 [95% CI: 1.71-2.37]) or base of tongue (OR: 2.34 [95% CI: 1.87-2.92]) additionally predicted surgery refusal. CONCLUSIONS: A number of demographic, socioeconomic, and tumor-related variables are associated with refusal of cancer-directed surgery in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Recognition of these factors may help identify situations where more active education and support are needed to help patients accept optimal care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 129:1368-1373, 2019.

Assessment and Management of Preoperative Anxiety.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative anxiety has the potential to alter the dynamics of an elective procedure and has been shown to detrimentally affect patients both cognitively and physiologically. If mismanaged, it can lead to essential procedures being postponed or canceled, delay postoperative recovery, and increase patients' requirements for medical intervention postoperatively. These outcomes have harmful implications both clinically and economically. Our primary objective was to evaluate the levels of anxiety patients experience immediately before elective otorhinolaryngologic procedures. Our secondary outcome was to assess the subjects' views on potential management strategies to tackle their anxiety. METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional project evaluating 53 patients who were selected consecutively from a list of elective otorhinolaryngologic procedures. All procedures were to be completed under general anesthetic, and all patients had received the same preoperative assessment preparation. 29 male and 24 female patients were included, aged between 19 and 76 years (mean 45). The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to assess preoperative anxiety directly before the otorhinolaryngologic procedure. The Service Improvement questionnaire was used to assess whether patients would favor the introduction of anxiety-reduction measures. RESULTS: There was neither a significant increase in patient anxiety levels preoperatively (P = 0.37) nor a significant increase in anxiety levels preoperatively when results were stratified according to patient gender and age (P = 0.45 and P = 0.27). 54% of the patients felt that their anxiety would have been reduced if they had read a procedural information leaflet, and 22% felt it would have been reduced if they had received preoperative behavioral training. 17% of the patients wanted more information from the surgical team. However, 12% of the patients would have liked less information from the surgical team preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients did not have a significant increase in their anxiety levels preoperatively. On the basis of our findings, we will work to improve the information we provide to patients preoperatively and to identify patient subgroups that require additional preoperative support.

Temporalis Fascia Transplantation for Sulcus Vocalis and Vocal Fold Scar: Long-Term Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Sulcus vocalis and vocal fold scar involve derangement of the superficial lamina propria of the vocal fold, which results in significant dysphonia. Many options exist for treatment, most of which have unsatisfactory and unpredictable outcomes. Autologous transplantation of temporalis fascia into the vocal fold (ATFV) has the potential to be a better treatment option, but long-term outcomes have not been well studied. METHODS: Retrospective chart review and patient survey. Twenty-one patients diagnosed with vocal fold scar or sulcus vocalis and treated with ATFV with at least 1-year follow-up were included. Voice Handicap Index 10 (VHI-10) questionnaires were collected preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Patients were reached at the time of the study to complete another VHI-10 and a Likert scale survey. RESULTS: The mean decrease in VHI-10 scores between preoperation and 6 months postoperation was 8.35 ( P < .001). From preoperation to the time of the study (average 44 months; range, 12-72 months), the VHI decreased 13.53 ( P < .001). Eighty-eight percent of patients reported they would recommend this surgery to others with the same diagnosis. Only 1 minor self-limited complication occurred. CONCLUSION: Autologous transplantation of temporalis fascia into the vocal fold for the treatment of vocal fold scar and sulcus vocalis is a safe surgery with good long-term outcomes and high patient satisfaction.

Clouds of different colors: A prospective look at head and neck surgical resident call experience.

Graduate medical education programs typically set up call under the assumption that residents will have similar experiences. The terms black cloud and white cloud have frequently been used to describe residents with more difficult (black) or less difficult (white) call experiences. This study followed residents in the department of head and neck surgery during call to determine whether certain residents have a significantly different call experience than the norm. It is a prospective observational study conducted over 16 months in a tertiary care center with a resident training program in otolaryngology. Resident call data on total pages, consults, and operative interventions were examined, as well as subjective survey data about sleep and perceived difficulty of resident call. Analysis showed no significant difference in call activity (pages, consults, operative interventions) among residents. However, data from the resident call surveys revealed perceived disparities in call difficulty that were significant. Two residents were clearly labeled as black clouds compared to the rest. These residents did not have the highest average number of pages, consults, or operative interventions. This study suggests that factors affecting call perception are outside the objective, absolute workload. These results may be used to improve resident education on sleep training and nighttime patient management in the field of otolaryngology and may influence otolaryngology residency programs.

Effects of music intervention on anxiety and pain reduction in ambulatory maxillofacial and otorhinolaryngology surgery: a descriptive survey of 27 cases.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine patients' opinion regarding listening to music before an ambulatory maxillofacial surgery and effects on anxiety and pain reduction. METHODS: This study was conducted on outpatients having a maxillofacial surgery between December 2015 and April 2016 at Poissy/Saint-Germain-en-Laye hospital (France). Patients listened with headphones to an easy-listening music in the operation theater before the first ambulation. A questionnaire including a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and anxiety was given to participants. The primary endpoint was to determine patients' opinion regarding listening to music before surgery. Secondary endpoints were to determine VAS pain mean, VAS anxiety mean before surgery, VAS anxiety mean after surgery, and if patients wanted to listen to their own playlist. We decided to compare VAS anxiety and pain mean between patients who accepted to listen to music (ALM) and who refused to listen to music (RLM). RESULTS: Nineteen patients ALM and 8 patients RLM to music. 78.9% of patients considered that listening to music before surgery decreased their anxiety. In patients who ALM, the mean (standard deviation, SD) of VAS pain after surgery was 3.42 (1.95), the mean (SD) of VAS anxiety before surgery was 3.1 (2.3), and the mean (SD) of VAS anxiety was 1.21 (0.85). There was a statistically significantly difference of the VAS anxiety mean (SD) before surgery between patients who ALM 3.10 (2.30) and who RLM 6.12 (1.88) (p = 0.005). There was a statistically significantly difference of the VAS anxiety mean (SD) after surgery between patients who ALM 1.21 (0.85) and who RLM 2.62 (1.30) (p = 0.009). Fifty percent of the patients wanted to choose their own music. CONCLUSION: Music seems to reduce anxiety before maxillofacial surgery. An interventional randomized study is needed to demonstrate the positive impact of music on anxiety before maxillofacial surgery.

Reliability of the Arabic Glasgow benefit inventory after otolaryngology interventions.

We aim to translate the Glasgow benefit inventory (GBI) questionnaire into Arabic language and assess its reliability in scoring the benefit of patients after otolaryngology interventions. This is a pilot study of an ongoing prospective cohort study. The original GBI questionnaire was translated into Arabic language and back-translated into English by two different experts. The questionnaire was given to patients who were asked to fill it themselves. A group of consecutive adult patients were included in the study. Fifty-one patients were included. Reliability using Cronbach's α was higher than 0.70 for total score and the three subscales. Five loading factors explained 72.9% of the variance reached. The mean benefit of the GBI total score was 30.0 ± 36.37. Subscales scores were as follows: 35.21 ± 25.98 for the general health, 25.81 ± 45.98 for the physical benefit and 29.08 ± 34.45 for the social support. The Arabic GBI questionnaire is reliable to evaluate the quality of life after otolaryngology interventions for Arabic speaking population.

[Relationship between preoperative patient learning need and anxiety of patients hospitalized at Ear Nose Throat and Head Neck Surgery clinic for surgical treatment]. / Kulak Burun Bogaz ve Bas Boyun Cerrahisi kliniginde cerrahi tedavi için yatan hastalarin ameliyat öncesi hasta ögrenim gereksinimi ve kaygi arasindaki iliski.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between preoperative patient learning need and anxiety in patients hospitalized at Ear Nose Throat and Head Neck Surgery (ENT and HNS) clinic for surgical treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study sample comprised 98 patients (56 males, 42 females; mean age 44.4±15.2 years; range 18 to 76 years) hospitalized at ENT and HNS clinic for surgical treatment. A question form prepared based on the literature, Patient Learning Needs Scale (PLNS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used in the study which was planned as a descriptive-analytical study. RESULTS: Education level of 72.5% of the patients was until high school at the furthest. The most frequent operation indications were chronic otitis media (28.6%) and vocal cord mass/paralysis (18.4%). We detected that, of the patients, 26.5% received training only from their doctors preoperatively, 74.5% did not find the given training sufficient, and 87.8% requested to receive the training preoperatively. Patients' total PLNS score was mean 30.6±5.4. Scores obtained from all sub-scales were within the very significant and extremely significant categories according to the scale's Likert structure. A comparison of anxiety state with learning needs dimension scores revealed a significant relationship only between trait anxiety score and emotions dimension related to the state in univariate analysis (r=0.21, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We detected a relationship between some dimensions of patient learning needs and anxiety level. Considering these findings, we advise that patient training programs and materials are developed and preoperative planned patient trainings are conducted.

Probiotics reduce psychological stress in patients before laryngeal cancer surgery.

AIM: Laryngeal cancer is a common malignancy; surgery is the preferred treatment. Psychosocial stress is one of the negative impacts on patient recovery. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of probiotics on ameliorating anxiety, and on serum corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in laryngeal cancer patients before surgery. METHODS: A total 30 patients with laryngeal cancer and 20 healthy volunteers were recruited. During the 2 weeks before surgery, 20 patients were randomly allocated to receive probiotics or placebo twice a day. Heart rate was recorded daily. The degree of anxiety was assessed by the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA). RESULTS: Serum CRF levels in laryngeal cancer patients increased significantly in approaching surgery. After ingestion of probiotics, serum levels of CRF and heart rate did not increase before surgery. In addition, taking probiotics relieved the degree of anxiety of the patients from HAMA 19.8 to 10.2. CONCLUSION: Probiotics can ameliorate the clinical anxiety and biochemical features of stress in patients scheduled for laryngectomy.

[Treatment of the human body : the possibilities and limits of plastic surgery]. / Die Bearbeitung des menschlichen Körpers : Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der plastischen Chirurgie.

The desire for authenticity is often cited as a motive for making use of plastic surgery. This article aims to elaborate on the meaning of this particular authenticity. At the same time, it discusses reasons that justify or forbid a plastic surgery intervention in the light of ethics. For this purpose, a distinction is made between "objective body" (Körper) and "subjective body" (Leib), and the objectives of medical actions are questioned. Through the terminological differentiation between integrity (Integrität), prosperity (Wohlergehen), and well-being (Wohlbefinden), these objectives are qualified and the limits of medical actions are determined.

[Influence of the psyche on cosmetic treatments]. / Einfluss der Psyche auf kosmetische Maßnahmen.

The wish for an attractive appearance is evident in many people. Aesthetic, cosmetic and surgical treatment is willingly made use of in order to fit into the current beauty ideal. A considerable portion of people who decide to follow this path show signs of psychological problems. One has to recognize and evaluate these for the planning or, if necessary, refusal of further treatment. In this article, the most common psychological problems in the cosmetic and aesthetic field of work are presented. A guideline for handling these patients is explained. Thus, a productive and relaxed cooperation will be possible which enables psychological and physical satisfaction for the medical team and the patients.

Effectiveness of audiovisual interventions on stress responses in adolescents with ENT surgery in hospital: randomized controlled trial protocol.

AIM: To investigate the circadian pattern of cortisol secretion and other stress indictors in association with audiovisual stimuli in adolescents having otorhinolaryngological surgery in hospital. BACKGROUND: Hospitalization for surgery is a major stressful life event for adolescents causing negative consequences, including anxiety. Recent studies suggest that entertaining and educational interventions might be effective at reducing such adversities, but little is known about the pattern of these responses and effects. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Adolescents with otorhinolaryngological surgery in hospital without any contraindictions for salivary cortisol enzyme immunoassays will be recruited and randomly allocated to experimental, placebo and control. Stress indicators will be collected regularly for 5 days. Standard audiovisual interventions will be displayed for experimental and placebo groups including a simultaneous video-recording of facial and behavioural changes on the second afternoon postadmission and stress indicators will be collected pre- and three times with 20-minute interval postintervention. Follow-up will be conducted to evaluate the longer term effects at 2 weeks, 1-month and 3 months postadmission, respectively. Descriptive and comparative analyses of stress indicators will be performed to examine group differences. Competitive funding was obtained from the Independent Innovation Foundation of Shandong University for interdisciplinary research in 2012. DISCUSSION: This study will help identify timeslots for interventions for integrating strength-building into stress response reduction in adolescents hospitalized for surgery.

Clown intervention to reduce preoperative anxiety in children and parents: a randomized controlled trial.

This study investigated whether a clown doctor intervention could reduce preoperative anxiety in children hospitalized for minor surgery and in their parents. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 77 children and 119 parents: the clown group consisted of 52 children accompanied in the preoperating room by their parents (n = 89) and two clowns while the comparison group consisted of children accompanied by the parents only. The clown intervention significantly reduced the children's preoperative anxiety: children benefited from the clown's presence and showed better adjustment than children in the comparison group. Mothers in Comparison Group showed higher anxiety.

[Quality of life after primary radiation/radiochemotherapy vs. operation therapy in an oropharyngeal cancer]. / Lebensqualität nach primärer RT/RCT vs. operativer Therapie bei Oropharynxkarzinom.

Not only in oropharyngeal carcinoma, but particularly in head and neck cancer the evaluation of quality of life does not only belong to the clinical trials but also finds its way into everyday clinical life. Research findings of numerous clinical trials of the last 20 years demonstrate that EORTC Core Questionnaire QLQ-C30 and in addition QLQ-H&N35 asserted themselves as outstanding base. A tendency of improved quality of life of operated patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma compared to advanced states of disease of primary radiochemotherapy can be ascertained.

Patient tolerance of awake, in-office laryngeal procedures: a multi-institutional perspective.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: An increasing number of laryngeal procedures are performed in the office. However, little is known about how well these procedures are tolerated and what factors determine success or failure. STUDY DESIGN: Prospectively collected patient and physician surveys from five surgeons at two institutions describe patient tolerance of awake, in-office laryngeal procedures (AIOLPs). METHODS: There were 154 procedures performed in a 6-month period, including vocal fold injection (VFI) (72%), laser treatment (19%), and transnasal esophagoscopy (3%). Average duration of procedure was 13 ± 8 minutes. RESULTS: Patients reported an average of 37 of 100 on a discomfort scale, with 0 representing no discomfort and 100 representing maximal discomfort. Ninety-three percent of patients would undergo another procedure, and 96% would recommend AIOLPs to other patients. Procedures were completed successfully in 92%. Most common surgeon-reported difficulties included copious secretions and uncontrolled gag reflex. Procedures that involved such difficulties had a significantly lower rate of procedure completion, 73% vs. 96%, P = .0001. High preprocedure anxiety did not adversely impact patient comfort or procedure completion rate. There was no difference in discomfort scores based on VFI approach or patient familiarity with AIOLPs. There was a significant difference in discomfort score between patients with successful first-approach VFI and those who required a change in VFI approach, 36.0 vs. 61.3, respectively, P = .003. The rate of requiring a second and third VFI approach was 4.6% and 2.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study encompasses multiple diagnoses, procedures, VFI techniques, and methods of anesthesia. AIOLPs are exceptionally well tolerated by patients, resulting in extremely high completion and satisfaction rates.

[Assessment of degree of psychological health involvement in pre-laryngectomized patients]. / Valoración del grado de afectación sobre la salud psíquica en el paciente prelaringectomizado.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Several authors have found increased anxiety in patients the day before an intervention and its correlation with anxiety levels the post-operative period. In this study, we determined a number of problems to which patients who underwent total laryngectomy often objected: the tracheostomy, being left without a voice and it being an aggressive, major surgery. Our objective was to assess the degree of anxiety and fears of the patient prior to total laryngectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We compared 2 groups of 20 patients who underwent operation for total laryngectomy and for other ENT pathologies. On the day before the operation, we collected demographic and medical data and administered the Spanish versions of the Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). We also investigated whether the patients had any fear or fear of surgery and what that fear was. RESULTS: Completion of the MMSE revealed cognitive impairment in only one patient. We subsequently conducted the GHQ-28 and found psychological distress in 20-25% of our cases. When the different fears in both groups were compared by X(2), the results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Total laryngectomy causes the loss of oral communication and impairs self-image, contributing to a strong emotional reaction. It is essential to have effective rehabilitation, which considers all aspects of health-sickness, such as the recovery of spoken language, social aspects and the psychological characteristics, vital for proper comprehensive patient management.

[Quality of life evolution in patients after surgical treatment of laryngeal, hypopharyngeal or oropharyngeal carcinoma]. / Evolución de la calidad de vida en pacientes intervenidos de carcinomas de orofaringe, laringe o hipofaringe.

INTRODUCTION: The assessment of quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer is dependent on many variables. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in quality of life among patients treated with conservative or radical surgery for laryngeal, oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer, evaluated before and at 3 and 6 months after definitive therapy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Prospective study between November 2008 and June 2009 on 53 patients diagnosed and treated for head and neck carcinoma with surgery: partial (n=32) and radical (n=21). Quality of life was evaluated using the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) general questionnaire EORTC QLQ-C30 and its specific head and neck EORTC QLQ-H&N35 before treatment, and at 3 and 6 months afterwards. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in overall health. Patients experienced the greatest changes in functional scale. There were no changes in swallowing problems or feeling of disease, while evident phonation problems were present in both groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The routine application of quality of life questionnaires in cancer patients improves information regarding how and to what extent patients feel that treatment and its sequelae modify it, making it possible to adapt rehabilitation and support programs to their real needs. This data helps in choosing between different options depending on the results, delivering improved care to patients.