Laryngectomy

Laryngectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the larynx and separation of the airway from the mouth, nose and esophagus. The patient breathes through an opening in the neck, known as a stoma. This procedure is often performed in cases of laryngeal cancer.

Indications

Laryngectomy is most commonly performed as a treatment for laryngeal cancer. Other indications may include severe injury to the larynx, or chronic aspiration.

Procedure

The procedure involves the removal of the larynx, and the creation of a stoma, or hole in the neck, through which the patient will breathe. The esophagus is then separated from the airway, allowing the patient to eat and drink normally.

Postoperative care

After the procedure, patients will require rehabilitation to learn how to speak without a larynx. This may involve the use of an electrolarynx, esophageal speech, or a tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) voice prosthesis.

Complications

Possible complications of a laryngectomy include infection, bleeding, stoma blockage, and changes in voice and swallowing.

See also

• Laryngeal cancer
• Stoma
• Electrolarynx
• Tracheoesophageal puncture

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  Diagram showing the position of the stoma after a laryngectomy
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  External view of the larynx
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  Voice prosthesis used after laryngectomy