Gender Disparities in Voice Outcomes After Tracheoesophageal Puncture in Total Laryngectomy

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to assess differences in speech outcomes between male and female patients who use a tracheoesophageal prosthesis (TEP) after total laryngectomy, a surgery removing the voice box due to advanced laryngeal cancer. It focuses on both subjective and objective measures of voice, speech, and quality of life, as prior studies indicate female patients may experience poorer outcomes compared to males. The study is conducted across multiple sites to better understand these gender disparities in voice rehabilitation after laryngectomy. Participants have undergone total laryngectomy and currently use TEP to produce speech. The study evaluates voice outcomes using multiple scales, including acoustic analysis, perceptual evaluation, and patient-reported measures. The primary outcomes include quality of life and voice handicap indexes, while secondary measures assess voice quality aspects like breathiness, sustained phonation, and fundamental frequency. Data collection is planned over approximately three years. During the study, participants will complete assessments such as the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Head & Neck (FACT-H&N) and the Alaryngeal Voice Handicap Index (AVHI). Voice quality will also be evaluated using GRBAS scales and phonation measurements. These evaluations will continue through the study period to monitor voice and speech function changes. The study is observational and may include healthy volunteers who meet the criteria, with participation lasting up to three years.

Gender Disparities in Voice Outcomes After Tracheoesophageal Puncture in Total Laryngectomy Patients (UC Davis)