Quality of Life following Total Laryngectomy: Assessment Using the UW-QOL Scale

Abstract

The composite score and overall QOL were high in our series of total laryngectomy patients and this possibly reflects adequate multidisciplinary management. We strongly urge the use of prospective longitudinal studies that will adequately identify any QOL changes over time. Although the UW-QOL questionnaire is a simple and brief scale, it has limitations that can curtail its effective use in laryngectomy patients and we advise supplementing it with the use of domain-specific questionnaires.