Spirometry in elderly laryngectomized patients: A feasibility study.

Spirometry in elderly laryngectomized patients: A feasibility study.

Int J Surg. 2016 May 30;

Authors: Izzo A, Perrotta F, Cennamo A, Cerqua FS, Rinaldi L, Mazzella A, Grella E, Tranfa C, Bianco A, Stefanelli F, Mazzarella G

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Laryngeal cancer is the second most common respiratory neoplasm after lung cancer. Laryngectomy is a well established treatment for larynx cancers which imply spirometry. It is an essential investigation tool for diagnosis and severity of respiratory diseases is challenged by anatomical alterations in laryngectomees.
METHODS: 43 consecutive laryngectomized patients were enrolled from July 2014 to March 2015. Patients fulfilling inclusion criteria underwent spirometry at baseline assessment and after two days. During the examination, the spirometer was placed directly on the stoma of the patient, through mouthpiece "Spirometry Filter 74".
RESULTS: At baseline, 26 eligible laryngectomees correctly performed the spirometry test with mouthpiece adhering to the stoma; 4 patients refused to perform the second spirometry after 2 days. The feasibility of spirometry examination in these patients was 100% despite difficulties in the execution of the test. The Pearson coefficient of reproducibility for FEV1, FVC and Tiffeneau Index was, respectively, 0.98, 0.94 and 0.77.
DISCUSSION: Spirometry in laryngectomee patients is a feasible procedure for assessment of respiratory function; despite technical difficulties in the execution of the test, the results underline the reproducibility and repeatability of the spirometry. In conclusion, when performed within dedicated respiratory pathophysiology unit, spirometry is a reliable tool in the assessment and follow up of laryngectomees.

PMID: 27255127 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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