Clinical otolaryngology and allied sciences
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Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci · Apr 1991
Clinical TrialThe influence of a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) on the respiratory symptoms after total laryngectomy.
The influence of a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) on the respiratory symptoms after total laryngectomy was studied in 42 patients. A significant reduction was found in the mean daily frequency of sputum production, forced expectoration in order to clean the airway and stoma cleaning after use of the HME for 6 weeks. ⋯ The findings indicate that respiratory problems after total laryngectomy can be reduced significantly with the use of a device with heat and moisture exchanging properties. In turn, reduction of respiratory symptoms results in an improved quality of life.