Thanatology

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Abstract
Increasing aggressiveness in tackling the problem of head and neck cancer has been paralleled by a rising death rate on the E.N.T. service. As a result, the otolaryngologist has had to re-examine not only the manner in which he takes care of the terminally-ill patient but also his own thoughts on death and dying. This paper presents a review of 100 consecutive deaths on the otolaryngology service at Barnes Hospital, St. Louis between July 1965 and June 1970. The age, sex, race, and diagnosis for each patient is listed as well as the duration of his final admission. The frequently-seen themes of denial, pain, fear and loneliness are considered, particularly in regard to one patient who was hospitalized over ten months. Finally, some suggestions are made for the care of the dying patient.

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