The role of adaptation to the optimal quality of life among patients after total laryngectomy

Introduction: Laryngectomy, a total removal of the larynx, is surgical treatment for laryngeal cancer. The method (most crippling for a human) deprives of voice, i.e. laryngeal apparatus. Most patients do not accept the disease, and therefore quality of life deteriorates.

Aim of study: to determine the effect of adaptation to the disease as a determinant of optimal quality of life in a group after total laryngectomy.

Material and methods: The study was conducted in University Hospital No. 2 in Bydgoszcz among patients in ENT (ear, nose, and throat) Outpatient Clinic, Phoniatric Outpatient Clinic and Otolaryngology ward. Juczyński’s adaptation of Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) was used to assess the acceptance of the disease. To assess the quality of life, a short version of WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used.

Results: The respondents received an average approval rating of the disease. Quality of life grows along with the acceptance of the disease. The greater the acceptance of illness, the better the quality of life in every sphere.

Conclusions: The results may have an influence on better acceptance of the disease and will allow patients to better accept their disability. Acceptance of illness and quality of life depends not only on the patient but also on how society accepts the otherness of a human.