Validation of methodology for assessment of pulmonary function in patients who undergo total laryngectomy

Abstract

Background. In patients submitted to laryngectomy, pulmonary complications may lead to death. A simple method with a standardized extratracheal device for the pulmonary assessment of laryngectomized patients would be very useful. The purpose of this study was to validate the methodology for pulmonary assessment in these patients through the application of an adhesive extratracheal device. Methods. This transversal study included 50 patients who had been submitted to total laryngectomy. Pulmonary tests were used to characterize the presence of respiratory functional limitation. Aiming at evaluating the reproducibility of the performed tests, parameters were used for the acceptance of the tests. A comparison of these parameters was made with 50 tests performed in nonlaryngectomized patients. Results. The total of rejected tests was greater in the control group when compared to the laryngectomized group. Conclusion. The methodology for the assessment of the pulmonary function by using the extratracheal proposed device is reliable, accurate, and reproducible. (C) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.