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

Objective: 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. Subjects and Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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. © 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation