Table 1 Descriptive overview of study characteristics

Wulff et al. [16];

2021;

Denmark, Sweden

Quantitative,

Cross-sectional study

HRQoL, voice problems,

dysphagia, depression, anxiety

1.6–18.1 years

(median 6,3 years)

172

LE

Sluis et al. [51];

2020;

Netherlands

Qualitative, interpretative phenomenological

Experiences of women

Range 1–31 years

8

LE

Bickford et al. [35];

2019;

Australia

Qualitative,

Grounded Theory

Experiences

2–11 years

12 (+ 9 primary supporters, 7 health professionals)*

LE

Teruya et al. [52];

2019;

Japan

Quantitative,

Cross-sectional study

Acceptance, Daily life difficulties

Ø 6.3 ± 6.5 years

43

LE

Bickford et al. [53];

2018;

Australia

Qualitative,

Grounded Theory

Adjustment to physical and functional changes

2–11 years

12 (+ 9 primary supporters, 7 health professionals)^b

LE

Jansen et al. [54];

2018;

Netherlands

Quantitative,

Cross-sectional study

Unmet supported care needs

Median 7 years

(range 0–37 years)

283

LE

Mertl et al. [25];

2018;

Czech republic

Mixed methods study

QoL, stigmatization, social exclusion

(preop), 4–6 months

22 (quantitative),

6 (qualitative)

LE

Morris et al. [55];

2017;

USA

Qualitative, approach of Naturalistic inquiry

Body image perception

≥ 1–2 months, not specified

36

Not specified, even LE

Cnossen et al. [56];

2016;

Netherlands

Qualitative,

Focus group interviews

Needs assessment

Ø 11,6 years

(range 2–22)

9 (+ 3 partners)

LE

Offerman et al. [57];

2015;

Netherlands

Quantitative,

Cross-sectional study

Spousal relationship

< 1 year (10%), 1–10 years (52%), > 10 years (38%)

151 (+ 144 partners)

LE

Pereira et al. [12];

2015;

Portugal

Quantitative,

Cross-sectional study

QoL

Ø 37,18 months

34

LE

Perry et al. [28];

2015;

Australia

Quantitative,

Cross-sectional study

QoL

< 1 year (11%), > 1 year (89%)

86

LE

Roick et al. [58];

2014;

Germany

Quantitative,

Cross-sectional study

QoL, Social Integration

1 year

161

LE

Singer et al. [29];

2014;

Germany

Quantitative,

Cohort study, Longitudinal study

QoL

Period: preop – 1 year

174

LE

Bickford et al. [2];

2013;

Australia

Qualitative,

Grounded Theory

Experiences

2–11 years

12

LE

Singer et al. [50];

2013;

Germany

Quantitative,

Cohort study, Longitudinal study

Vocational Rehabilitation

Period: preop – 3 years

231

LE

Dooks et al. [3];

2012;

Canada

Qualitative,

Interpretative

Experiences of reintegration into the community

6–12 month

9

LE

Tsikoudas et al. [59];

2011;

Great Britain

Quantitative

Case-control study

QoL, nasal function

Range: 7 days – 11 years

IGr = 10, CGr = 10

Head and neck tumor (not specified)

Danker et al. [32];

2010;

Germany

Quantitative,

Cross-sectional study

Social withdrawal

Ø 6 years

(range 0–18 years)

219

LE

Hashmi et al. [30]

2010;

USA

Quantitative,

Cohort study

QoL, self-image

prospective: (preop), 1–3 weeks; retrospective: > 6 month

7 (prospective),

6 (retrospective)

Bilateral vocal fold / cord paralysis, benign laryngeal tumor, laryngeal / laryngeotracheal stenosis, sarcoidosis

Noonan et al. [60];

2010;

Ireland

Qualitative, semi-structured interviews

Experiences

Range 1,5–7 years

10

LE

Babin et al. [33];

2009;

France

Quantitative,

Cross-sectional study

Psychosocial QoL changes

Ø 6 month

(median 4 years)

150

LE

Minovi et al. [61];

2009;

Germany

Quantitative,

Cross-sectional study

QoL

56,3 ± 28,1 months

30

LE

Singer et al. [62];

2007;

Germany

Quantitative,

Cross-sectional study

Use of adaptive devices

Ø 6 years (range 1–26 years)

218

LE

Singer et al. [63];

2007;

Germany

Quantitative,

Cross-sectional study

Stigmatization

Ø 6,4 years (1–20 years)

217

LE

Woodard et al. [64];

2007;

USA

Quantitative,

Cohort Study

QoL

Not specified

33

LE

Vilaseca et al. [65];

2006;

Spain

Quantitative,

Cross-sectional study

QoL

Ø 9.09 years

(range 2–29 years)

49

LE

Gilony et al. [13];

2005;

Israel

Quantitative,

Cross-sectional study

QoL, well-being, body-image

≥ 3 month, not specified

24

Nonmalignant condition

Schuster et al. [66];

2003;

Germany

Quantitative,

Cross-sectional study

Coping strategies

Ø 4 ± 3,6 years

(range 9 months – 17 years)

25

LE

Birkhaug et al. [67];

2002;

Norway

Quantitative,

Cross-sectional study

QoL, mood level

10 ± 7 years

104

LE

Armstrong et al. [49];

2001;

Australia

Quantitative, Longitudinal study

physical, psychological, and social problems

Period: preop − 6 month

(assessments pre-op, and at 1, 3, 6 mts post-op)

34

LE

Lennie et al. [68];

2001;

USA

Mixed methods study

Eating related experiences

Ø 5 years

(range 0,25–16 years)

34

LE

Nalbadian et al. [4];

2001;

Greece

Quantitative,

Cross-sectional study

QoL

7–120 months

(median 43 months)

56

LE

Relic et al. [69];

2001;

Germany

Quantitative,

Cross-sectional study

QoL

Ø 6 years

(range 1–11 years)

29

LE