- What is laryngectomy?
- Why is laryngectomy performed?
- What is laryngectomy?
- Preparation for laryngectomy
- Care after the operation
- Alternatives to laryngectomy
What is laryngectomy?
Laryngectomy is a surgery performed to disconnect the trachea and esophagus, and to remove all or part of the larynx, located in the throat, the front part of the neck.
The larynx is responsible for producing the voice or vocal cord sound, preventing food or drink from entering the lungs by closing the epiglottis and allowing inhaled air to reach the lungs. It is composed of cartilage and has three sections: the supraglottis, the glottis and the subglottis.
Why is laryngectomy performed?
Laryngectomy is usually performed when cancer, lesion or radiation necrosis is found in that area where the vocal cords are located. The larynx or part of the larynx can be removed and the airway permanently moved out through the skin so that the patient can breathe.
Laryngectomy is usually performed in cases of cancer,
radiation injury or necrosis in that area.
In this way, breathing and swallowing are separated. To breathe, a hole is placed in the neck in front of the trachea.
What is laryngectomy?
Laryngectomy is a major surgery performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon carefully cuts part of the neck to open the area, sparing important blood vessels and other structures. Next, the larynx and surrounding tissues are removed and an opening is made in the trachea, and a hole is made in the front of the neck. Finally, the trachea is connected to this hole, called a stoma.
After surgery, the patient will breathe through the stoma, permanently. The esophagus, muscles and skin will be closed with stitches or staples.
Another method is a tracheoesophageal perforation, which involves making a small hole in the windpipe and the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. The surgeon places a small prosthesis inside the opening and this will allow the patient to speak once the larynx is removed.
Preparation for laryngectomy
Prior to surgery, a professional should be consulted for a complete treatment and aftercare plan for laryngectomy. Also, and very importantly, a specialist must inform you of all the risks of the surgery.
Care after the operation
After the operation, the patient is monitored in the Intensive Care Unit for 24 hours. Normally, patients must stay for 10 days in the hospital. They can go home with the help of a family member and a nurse who sees them from time to time.
After a few weeks, the patient should see a speech therapist to work on a new way of communicating.
The patient’s nutrition will be provided through a feeding tube inserted through the nose into the stomach. Patients who return home usually take a tube feeding system. It is important to have good nutrition and stay hydrated.
Another aspect to note is the surrounding air. It is important that the air is warm and moist to prevent dryness and mucus. Therefore, an air humidifier is needed at home.
Alternatives to laryngectomy
A less invasive surgery is endoscopic resection, vertical partial laryngectomy, supraglottic or horizontal partial laryngectomy and supracricoid partial laryngectomy.