What are some laryngectomy “basics” I should know?
There are several operations commonly used in treating patients with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, one or more of these may be used to remove the cancer and some of the surrounding laryngeal or hypopharyngeal tissue, and to help restore the appearance and function of the tissues affected by the treatment. Total laryngectomy: Stages III and IV laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers usually require removal of the entire voice box. With the removal of the voice box, the windpipe is then brought up to the skin of the neck as a stoma (or hole) which the patient will breath through. Stoma care following total laryngectomy: Having a stoma instead of a larynx means that the air you breathe in and out will not pass through your nose or mouth. As air passes through the nose or mouth, it is humidified, warmed, and filtered (dust and other particles are removed). After a laryngectomy and tracheostomy, the air reaching the lungs will be dryer and
