Page 2 - Laryngectomy

Cancer can affect any part of the body. Similarly it can affect the
voice box or the larynx which is located in our throat. So in
conditions of laryngeal cancer. Larygectomy is one of the option
for management of the same.

What is Laryngectomy?

Laryngectomy is a surgery conducted to remove the larynx
(voice box) either partially or completely to prevent spreading
of cancer to other body parts. When the larynx or voice box is
removed, voice is lost and breathing pattern changes.

Indications for Laryngectomy

Ÿ Cancer of larynx (tumour)
Ÿ Some injury to the larynx
Ÿ Patients who do not respond to radiation or
chemo therapy
Ÿ Large tumours in neck region.
Consequences of Laryngectomy

Ÿ The vocal cords in larynx produce sound.
Therefore, when larynx is removed during
surgery, people cannot speak normally
anymore
Ÿ After the surgery, smelling and blowing
through nose is no longer possible in the
usual way.
Ÿ A hole (stoma) is made in the trachea (neck
region), to allow the person to breath in the
absence of larynx. This increases the risk of
mucus in the airways and causes respiratory
infections

Pre-laryngectomy Post-laryngectomy

Can ventilate Can only ventilate
through nose and mouth via stoma