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Informing patient choice and service planning in surgical voice restoration: valve usage over three years in a UK head and neck cancer unit.
- Source :
- Journal of Laryngology & Otology; Feb2022, Vol. 136 Issue 2, p158-166, 9p
- Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- Objective: This study aimed to determine the number, reasons and costs of surgical voice restoration related tracheoesophageal valve attendances over 36 months at a head and neck oncology unit. Method: Demographic, medical and valve related details from all patient contacts were recorded, including self-change information, urgent appointment information, modifications required and costs of prostheses. Results: Over 3 years, 99 patients underwent 970 valve changes. The main reasons for changes were central leakage, prophylactic change and self-change at home. Changes were significantly more frequent in the first 12 months (mean, 42 days) compared with longstanding patients (mean, 109.96). Intervals between changes were unpredictable; no predictive factors reached statistical significance. Mean expenditure on valves was £966.63 per week (including value added tax and in-house customisation). Conclusion: Valve lifespan is comparable with outcomes in similar units despite more pre-emptive and patient-led changes and more comprehensive data inclusion. Investigation into how patient satisfaction and costs relate to valve selection and units' service delivery models is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00222151
- Volume :
- 136
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Laryngology & Otology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 155525184
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022215121004060