Long-term effects of voice training and swallowing function exercises on postoperative functional recovery in laryngeal cancer patients: a retrospective cohort study
In brief
Combined rehabilitation linked to dysphagia falling from 30% to 10% after surgery
In this retrospective study of 120 patients after laryngeal cancer surgery, those receiving voice and swallowing exercises had less dysphagia at 12 months than those receiving routine care: 10% versus 30%. They also had better voice scores, quality of life, and fewer complications, but the nonrandomized design cannot establish that rehabilitation caused the differences.
- Journal
- Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (Q1)
- Published
- 16 October 2026
- Study design
- Retrospective cohort
- Evidence level
- Level 3, Low (CEBM 3b)
- Authors
- Jing Liu, Gaiping Fan, Wenjuan Li
- PMID
- 42886344
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00520-026-11302-9
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Otorhinolaryngology (paper of the day, 20 October 2026): Combined voice/swallow rehab improves VHI and QoL
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term effects of combined voice training and swallowing function exercises on functional recovery, quality of life, and complications in patients after laryngeal cancer surgery. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, 120 patients who underwent laryngeal cancer surgery between June 2019 and June 2023 were divided into a rehabilitation group (n = 60, receiving systematic voice and swallowing training) and a routine care group (n = 60). Voice Handicap Index (VHI), Swallowing Function Scale (SFS), and EQ-5D were used to assess outcomes at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Complications were also recorded. RESULTS : At 12 months postoperatively, the rehabilitation group showed significantly better outcomes than the routine care group: lower VHI score (35.25 ± 5.12 vs. 58.70 ± 6.84, P < 0.001), lower dysphagia incidence (10.00% vs. 30.00%, P = 0.008), higher EQ-5D index (0.82 ± 0.09 vs. 0.68 ± 0.11, P < 0.001), lower total complication rate (11.67% vs. 26.67%, P = 0.032), and higher satisfaction score (87.80 ± 7.93 vs. 72.21 ± 9.22, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed comprehensive rehabilitation as an independent protective factor for voice function (β = -9.215, P < 0.001), swallowing function (β = -3.268, P < 0.001), and complication reduction (OR = 0.218, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Systematic combined voice and swallowing rehabilitation training can effectively promote functional recovery, significantly improve long-term quality of life, and reduce the risk of postoperative complications in laryngeal cancer patients.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.