Long-term effects of voice training and swallowing function exercises on postoperative functional recovery in laryngeal cancer patients: a retrospective cohort study

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.