Quality of life in patients treated with PDMS injection for swallowing disorders.

Abstract

To document the efficacy of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) injections in patients with swallowing disorders after partial supracricoid laryngectomy; to assess the importance of quality-of-life (QOL) outcome in oncologic patients. The study included 11 patients with swallowing disorders after partial laryngectomy and appropriate rehabilitation. They were treated with endoscopic injection of PDMS; QOL was investigated with four questionnaires (M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory, Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer, Performance Karnofsky Scale, and Voice Handicap Index-10) before and after surgical treatment and further rehabilitation. A significant improvement in QOL of all 11 patients was seen after endoscopic injection. The impact of this treatment on the social life of patients was considerable. Swallowing disorders and speech problems are quite common complications of partial laryngectomy. QOL in oncologic patients is a mandatory outcome measure. PDMS injection showed an improvement in the everyday life of selected patients.