The total laryngectomy guide

A laryngectomy guide

The basics to get started

A total laryngectomy is a surgery performed in the advanced stages of cancer. The procedure involves removing your voice box – also called the larynx. After a laryngectomy, breathing happens via an opening in the neck instead of the nose and mouth.

Undergoing a total laryngectomy can be an overwhelming experience, but you shouldn’t feel isolated. There are more than 100,000 people worldwide that have undergone the same operation and proven it’s possible to maintain your quality of life.

How to prepare for a laryngectomy

What is a total laryngectomy?

A life-changing surgery

The larynx plays several important roles. It houses the vocal folds that make our voice sound. The larynx also helps us to breathe and swallow. Therefore, removal of the voice box not only leads to changes in the voice, but also changes in breathing, swallowing, and smelling.

Life after laryngectomy

Before total laryngectomy

Before surgery, you would breathe through your nose, mouth and throat – or what is known as the ‘upper airways’ .

After total laryngectomy

After a laryngectomy, breathing happens via an opening in the neck instead of the nose and mouth.

A new way of breathing

Breathing after laryngectomy

The function of your nose

Your nose does more than just smell – it heats, humidifies, and filters the air you breathe. In this way, you can be sure the air is at the right body temperature and contains enough moisture when it reaches your lungs for them to function properly.

After your total laryngectomy, you will breathe through the stoma in your neck so these nasal functions are lost. Breathing through an open stoma causes the temperature and humidity in your lungs to drop. The lungs react to this by producing more mucus, meaning you have to cough more (similar to having a cold) and your windpipe can feel irritated.

Your new voice

Speaking after laryngectomy

We rely on our voices to express our thoughts and feelings. Losing your natural voice can initially be quite upsetting, and impact your ability to communicate as well as your sense of identity. But the good news is that there are several ways to regain your voice.

There are basically three voicing methods that can be learned after surgery with the help of your speech therapist: speech with a voice prosthesis (tracheoesophageal speech), using an electrolarynx and esophageal speech.