Voice Handicap and Health-Related Quality of Life in Laryngectomees: Assessments with the Use of VHI and EORTC Questionnaires

Aims: To investigate the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), the health-related quality of life (HRQL), and the correlations between VHI and HRQL in laryngectomees. Methods: Forty-three laryngectomized persons participated (mean age 68; 6 years, time since laryngectomy between 0; 6 and 12 years). Evaluation of voice handicap was done with the VHI. HRQL was evaluated with questionnaires from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35. Results: VHI for the whole group demonstrated a moderate voice handicap, with a mean score of 48/120. The functional scales of EORTC QLQ-C30 resulted in scores on the same level as the normal population with the exception of a lower global quality of life scale (Global QOL). EORTC QLQ-H&N35 revealed problems with smell and taste, speech, coughing, xerostomia, and sexuality. VHI correlated significantly with the Global QOL, the functional scales, dyspnea, pain, nausea and financial difficulties (EORTC QLQ-C30). Significant correlations were also found between VHI and speech problems, social contact, pain from the head and neck area, sense problems, sexuality and social eating (EORTC QLQ-H&N35). Conclusion: The EORTC questionnaires in combination with the VHI questionnaire seem to capture most of the problems following laryngectomy, including voice problems. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel