Interdisciplinary rehabilitation of the laryngectomee.

Abstract

It is to be hoped that human aspects have not been forgotten in spite of all these statistics. Behind all these numbers lie the personal fates of approximately 700 laryngectomees in Switzerland. The interview findings reflect their situation in life. In summary, we can say that: --Half of the laryngectomees lose their job and feel restricted in their daily lives; every third one mentions financial problems. --A third of the laryngectomees are totally or partly unsatisfied with the speech rehabilitation program. --There appear to be remarkable differences within the various language regions in Switzerland with regard to preparation for the operation, speech rehabilitation, and the current life situation of laryngectomees. From our study, we conclude that extensive medical, psychological, and social counseling and assistance for those affected is of great importance. Here we must especially mention the preparation of the patients and their relatives for the operation and its consequences. This should be the task not of one person but of an interdisciplinary team, including a logopedist, a social worker, and also another laryngectomee, with whom contact is often very valuable for the patient. Early speech therapy, reintegration into working life, and improvement of financial status are further factors of great importance.