Laryngectomy

About Laryngectomy

A laryngectomy is a surgical procedure performed to partially or fully remove the larynx. The procedure is performed to remove cancer and can result in the patient loosing their voice and breathing in a new way. The larynx, commonly referred to as the voice box, is located above the windpipe (trachea) and functions to protect the windpipe, prevent food from entering the lungs, creates sound, and helps with breathing. It is comprised of cartilage and the vocal cords are located inside the larynx. It is surrounded by lymph nodes and this is often where cancer begins and then spreads to the larynx. The procedure involves removing part or all of the larynx, referred to as a partial or total laryngectomy, and in some case the thyroid gland, the surrounding lymph nodes, and glands are also removed, depending on each patient case. It is often performed in conjunction with radiotherapy, which may be performed before and/or after the surgery. 

Once the larynx is fully removed, patients will have a new method of breathing, which will be through a stoma, a small hole in the neck connected to the windpipe. Patients will no longer breathe through the nose and mouth, will lose their sense of smell as a result of no air entering the nose, and will no longer be able to talk as they could before. There are a number of methods that can be used to regain a form of voice which include voice restoration surgery, an artificial larynx, and an esophageal voice. Patients undergoing voice restoration surgery will usually have this performed as part of the laryngectomy surgery. Recommended for Laryngeal cancer Throat cancer Time requirements Number of days in hospital 2 - 3 weeks . Should complications arise, patients may need to spend more time in the hospital. Number of trips abroad needed 1. 

Before Procedure / Treatment

If a general anesthetic is administered, patients will usually be advised to stop eating and drinking around 12 hours before the procedure. Some clinics perform the surgery with a local anesthetic, in which case patients are awake for the procedure but the eye area is completely numb. Patients who are awake throughout can usually leave the clinic the same day.

How it Performed?

How the surgery is performed, will depend on whether the upper or lower eyelid is being treated. Upper eyelid surgery involves making an incision in the skin, through which skin and fat is removed. The site is then stitched together in the eyelid, creating what looks like a natural crease.Lower eyelid surgery involves an incision being made in the lower eyelash line, or on the inside of the lower lid, in order to avoid noticeable scarring, this incision is referred to as a transconjunctival incision.

Through the incision, fat can be either removed or added, depending on the desired result, and the incision is then closed. Sometimes the stitches need removing around one week after surgery, but the surgeon may use dissolvable stitches which are absorbed / broken down naturally by the body. Anesthesia Local anesthetic, local anesthetic and sedation or general anesthetic. Procedure duration The Eyelid Surgery takes 1 to 3 hours. 

Recovery

Post procedure care  Patients should keep the wound clean. It is recommended that someone accompanies the patient after the procedure, in case vision is temporarily impaired. Patients should avoid swimming and sun exposure.  Patients may need to return to the clinic after around one week to get stitches removed, or wait a couple of weeks for dissolvable stitches to become absorbed / broken down naturally.  Possible discomfort  Bruising and swelling is usually worst on the day after surgery, but heals quickly. During the first 48 hours, the use of cool compresses can greatly reduce bruising and swelling around the eyes and face.

Top 10 Hospitals for Laryngectomy

Following are the best 10 hospitals for Laryngectomy in the world:

Best doctors for Laryngectomy

Following are the best doctors for Laryngectomy in the world:

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