The impact of tracheostomy on the course of radiotherapy.
Purpose/Objective
The aim of this study is to assess the impact of tracheostomy on radiotherapy in patients with laryngeal cancer.
Material/Methods
This is a prospective qualitative study conducted in the year 2022, including 49 patients undergoing radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer. Patients were interviewed using a questionnaire with several items during their weekly follow-up consultations. They were required to rate each step of radiotherapy (in the supine position, the application and maintenance of the thermoformed mask, positioning, dosimetric CT scan, and the treatment session) on a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 representing no discomfort and 10 representing extreme discomfort. Patients were also asked to report their level of anxiety during each step. Correlations were explored using the Pearson coefficient.
Results
The age of patients ranged from 42 to 84 years with a median of 63 years. The most common histological type was squamous cell carcinoma. Tracheostomy was performed urgently in 34 patients, accounting for 69.38%, and scheduled in 15 patients, accounting for 30.61%.
According to our surveyed patients, the application and maintenance of the thermoformed mask were the most unpleasant moments, with an average discomfort rating of 8.5/10 and an average anxiety level of 9/10. The averages for other items varied between 3/10 and 8/10. In response to the question "What do you fear the most during the session?", 11 patients, or 22.44%, believed that the thermoformed mask could cause them asphyxiation. No significant correlations were found.
Conclusion
To ensure the smooth progress of radiotherapy in tracheostomized patients, it is essential to provide prior explanations for all stages of radiotherapy, its benefits, and its side effects. Adequate management of specific situations and a trusting relationship between medical personnel and the patient are also necessary.
