"Laryngeal cancer is a severe condition. In the advanced stages, surgery may be necessary to remove the entire larynx. This includes the removal of the vocal cords, located in the larynx. Patients receive a voice prosthesis, a valve between the esophagus and the windpipe. The problem with this prosthesis is that it is open to various bacteria, which causes them to leak. I investigated the option of replacing the prostheses before this happens. Timely replacement is unfortunately quite difficult, as the lifespan of the prostheses varies greatly, ranging from less than a week to more than a year. I also looked into ways in which head and neck surgeons can improve patient involvement in often difficult decision-making processes. A decision aid we developed turned out to be very helpful, although there are still some obstacles left to overcome, including the fact that not everyone has access to the internet. A physician can also help by asking the right questions. Investing a little extra time at the beginning can even lead to lower healthcare costs later. When I first started at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, it surprised me how easy it was to contact one another. Employees are listed under their first names in the phone book! Everyone knows each other. I miss that now that I'm back at the much larger UMC Groningen where I am training to become an ENT specialist."
Anne Heirman will defend her thesis on December 10.
Research at the Netherlands Cancer Institute is financially supported by KWF Dutch Cancer Society.
prof. dr. M.W.M. van den Brekel & dr. G.B. Halmos
dr. R. Dirven & dr. L. van der Molen