Objective: To assess the effectiveness of the nasal airflow inducing manoeuvre or 'polite yawn' technique in improving olfaction and quality of life in laryngectomised patients.
Methods: Using a prospective study design, 42 patients scheduled to undergo laryngectomy at a tertiary care centre were subjected to olfaction testing before surgery and two weeks following the surgery. The nasal airflow inducing manoeuvre was taught, and the olfaction test was repeated with the patient performing the nasal airflow inducing manoeuvre. Quality of life was assessed using the Appetite, Hunger and Sensory Perception questionnaire with calculation of scores after the patient had learnt the nasal airflow inducing manoeuvre.
Results: There was a significant reduction in the composite olfaction score, from a mean (standard deviation) baseline value of 4.01 (1.39) to 0.44 (0.51), two weeks after surgery (p < 0.001). After practising the nasal airflow inducing manoeuvre, the olfaction scores increased to 3.05 (1.32) (p < 0.001). Appetite, Hunger and Sensory Perception questionnaire scores ranged from 52 to 110 (normal range, 29-145), suggesting an improvement in the quality of life of patients.
Conclusion: The nasal airflow inducing manoeuvre, an inexpensive, simple, patient-friendly manoeuvre, can be used in the olfaction rehabilitation of patients undergoing laryngectomy.
Keywords: Laryngectomy; Olfaction; Rehabilitation.