Professional paper
The working capacity of patients having undergone mutilating neck surgery on account of malignant growths and the care of the community for their future
B. Gušić
; Otorinolaringološka klinika Medicinskog fakulteta Sveučilišta Zagreb
R. Subotić
; Otorinolaringološka klinika Medicinskog fakulteta Sveučilišta Zagreb
Abstract
The working capacity of patients having undergone mutilating neck surgery on account of malignant growths and the care of the community for their future. The ever increasing number of practically cured patients who had been suffering from a tumor of the larynx has made it necessary to make a. detailed analysis of the working capacity of such patients and to direct them in their physical and emotional rehabilitation efforts after surgical treatment. Most of the patients regain their working capacity within a period of 3-6 months following laryngectomy, while this period may last from 6 months up to 2 years after laryngedomy and radical neck resection. The cause of the failure of professional rehabilitation is due to the psychological crisis into which every single patient falls after an operation and might also be searched for in the attitude of the people he lives with. Another negative factor is the indispensability of breathing through tracheostoma, which factor in itself disqualifies such patients for a number of callings. The rehabilitation of speech as such does not present an essential component in the working capacity of the patient, however, it is of great importance in overcoming post-operative crises. In analysing the working capacity of 47 laryngectomees, a striking difference between beneficiaries of the social insurance scheme for workers and those not falling under it becomes apparent. Apart from the economic factor, the possibilities offered for gradual and individual adaptation of the convalescent to physical efforts make all the difference. The termination of clinical treatment ought not to be the end of our concern for such patients. Circumstances should be arranged for rehabilitation in all the cases where the physical condition of the patient makes such steps possible. Measures ought to be taken to secure the livelihood of such patients who in spite of all efforts remain incapacitated, regardless of the fact whether they are entitled to social insurance benefits or not. Cases where long lasting constructive plastic surgery is needed and also incurable patients present a special problem. It is not possible to send them home on account of the specific conditions of their nutrition and the special care they require, neither can they be hospitalized in smaller institutions. It would therefore appear to be indispensable to secure for such patients a medical institution, where patients could undergo adequate therapy between two surgical interventions, while others again would receive optimum care till the end of their days.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
181358
URI
Publication date:
11.6.1963.
Visits: 770 *