Treatment

Laryngectomy

Overview

A laryngectomy is a surgical procedure in which the larynx (commonly known as the voice box) is removed. This operation is often performed when there is a serious medical condition such as cancer, affecting the larynx. It may involve the complete removal of the larynx which is called a total laryngectomy or a partial removal depending on the extent of the disease. The procedure can help improve a patient’s quality of life by removing the tumor or diseased tissue.

Why Laryngectomy Treatment is required?

• Performed for serious conditions like laryngeal cancer or severe infections.
• Removes tumors or diseased tissue when other treatments fail.
• Total laryngectomy removes the entire voice box while partial laryngectomy removes only part of it.
• Helps patients breathe better if airway is blocked.

Key Advantages of Laryngectomy Treatment

• Cancer removal removes cancerous tissue from the larynx.
• Restores airway for easier breathing with a laryngectomy tube.
• Improves overall health and reduces disease spread.
• Voice box removal surgery helps prevent complications from the disease.
• Post surgery rehabilitation can improve quality of life.

How should you prepare yourself before taking Laryngectomy Treatment?

• Consult your doctor: Discuss risks, benefits, and impacts on speech.
• Undergo tests: Imaging and a laryngoscopy to assess your condition.
• Speech therapy: Plan for rehabilitation after surgery.
• Psychological support: Consider emotional support to cope with changes.

How Laryngectomy Treatment is performed?

• Partial laryngectomy: Removes part of the voice box and preserves some speech function.
• Total laryngectomy: Complete removal of the larynx and vocal cords, creating a laryngectomy stoma for breathing.

Surgeon makes an incision and removes affected tissue.

What you can expect Before procedure, During procedure and After procedure?

• 1. Before the procedure: Follow doctor’s instructions, including fasting and stopping certain medications.
• 2. During the procedure: General anesthesia is used. Surgery may take hours.
• 3. After the procedure: Recovery involves hospital stay, breathing through the stoma and speech therapy.

Risk and Potential Complications

• Infection: Risk of infection around the laryngectomy stoma.
• Breathing issues: Adjusting to breathing through the stoma.
• Voice loss: Permanent voice changes with speech therapy required.
• Swallowing difficulty: Adjustments may be needed for eating and drinking.

Results/Outcomes

• Cancer removal can improve survival and quality of life.
• Speech rehabilitation can help patients adapt to changes in communication.
• Total laryngectomy patients may experience a new way of breathing and speaking with continued support.