Dr.Satish c- Head and neck cancer surgeon in Jayanagar
Laryngectomy (Voice Box Surgery)
Laryngeal cancer, or voice box cancer, is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in India. Laryngectomy is one of the treatment approaches recommended for laryngeal cancers.
Laryngectomy (Voice Box Surgery)
Overview
Laryngectomy refers to the partial or complete removal of the larynx or voice box. This procedure will often have an impact on the patient’s breathing, swallowing, and breathing.
More about Laryngectomy (Voice Box Surgery)
The following are the types of laryngectomies recommended based on the stage of the disease:
- Partial Laryngectomy: As the name says, this procedure only removes the portion of the voice box that is affected by cancer. After this procedure, the patient may still be able to speak, but the voice may be hoarse and weak.
- Total Laryngectomy: During this procedure, the entire voice box is removed, and the patient might have to opt for alternate approaches, such as voice prosthesis, to speak.
Both these procedures may affect the patient’s ability to swallow as well. Therefore, it is important to opt for rehabilitation care after laryngectomy, where the speech and swallowing therapists will help patients learn various alternative approaches to swallowing and communicating.
How is Laryngectomy Performed?
The surgery begins with the surgeon making an incision in the neck. The larynx may be removed partially or entirely depending on the stage of the disease. In the case of locally-advanced cancers, a few lymph nodes or a portion of the pharynx (throat) may also be removed.
In the front of the neck, a stoma will be placed. It will only be a small opening. A tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) may also be created. The TEP will allow the implantation of an artificial voice box so that the patient can continue to speak even after losing their voice box. At the end, the incision will be stitched.
Frequently Asked Questions
This depends on the type of laryngectomy that is recommended for you. Patients will still be able to talk after partial laryngectomy. However, the voice may be a little hoarse. Patients who undergo total laryngectomy may not be able to speak after the surgery as the voice box is removed. These patients can opt for an artificial voice box or voice prosthesis to regain their ability to speak.
Patients experience some difficulties in swallowing right after the surgery. However, this is temporary. This surgery does not affect the connection between the mouth and the food pipe (esophagus), and therefore, you will still be able to swallow just like you did before your surgery.
Possible side effects associated with laryngectomy include bleeding, infection, blood clots, pneumonia, loss of normal speech, swallowing difficulties, nerve damage, and heart or lung problems.
Yes, it is possible for cancer to come back after a total laryngectomy. Therefore, it is important for patients to not miss their follow-up appointments after the treatment. Follow-up appointments help in catching recurrences early, when they can be treated successfully with appropriate treatment.
It will take two to three weeks for your wounds to heal. It may take about 4–6 weeks for you to recover completely. With the help of speech and swallow therapists, you will soon be able to recover and adjust to your life accordingly.
Dr. Satish C is an expert head and neck oncosurgeon, and he is the best doctor for laryngectomy in Bangalore.