I’ve been advised to wear a stoma button. Why?
When your laryngectomy was carried out, part of the reconstruction was to create your stoma. This was done by suturing the cut end of your trachea to the skin of your lower neck. The stoma is a surgical wound, the body responds by laying down scar tissue as a natural part of the healing process and all scars get SMALLER, consequently the opening will get smaller. A stoma button prevents/controls shrinkage and allows the scar to remain in an open position. This stoma button can be easily removed for cleaning and inspecting the stoma. The stoma needs to be large enough for adequate airflow so you do not experience shortness of breath at rest or with minimal exercise and to enable the fitting of a voice prosthesis if necessary. Most laryngectomees wear a stoma button for a few months following the surgery.
