抄録
A crucial link exists between the otolaryngologist and speech-language pathologist. In the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Georgetown University Medical Center, patients with head and neck cancer, vocal fold paralyses, and benign voice disorders are seen by otolaryngology and referred to speech pathology for evaluation. Baseline digital audio recordings of speech and videostroboscopic recordings of cord motion are obtained with aerodynamic, respiratory, acoustic, and spectrographic analysis as appropriate. Speech pathology counsels surgical patients regarding expected speech, swallowing, and voice alterations following surgery. These patients are observed during initial post-operative swallows and assigned oral-motor exercises to strengthen orofacial musculature. Patients with vocal fold paralyses and benign vocal lesions are seen by speech pathology of several sessions to teach compensatory cord adduction and improved vocal strategies. Speech pathologists arrange for patients who have undergone oral/laryngeal surgeries to provide psychosocial support to patients awaiting similar surgeries. The close relationship between otolaryngology and speech pathology provides the finest quality of care with the core of therapeutic education, support, and rehabilitation provided by speech pathology. Referral protocols, diagnostic assessments and treatment strategies for patients following laryngectomy, hemiglossectomy, supraglottic laryngectomy, vocal cord carcinoma, vocal cord paralyses, and benign vocal lesions will be discussed.
