Having a Laryngectomy
How will I be able to communicate after the operation?
When your voice box is removed you will not be able to talk as before. However once the surgery has settled down there are different ways by which you may be able to regain a form of voice.
Your consultant and the Speech Therapist will discuss this with you. The method you use will depend on the type of surgery you have and your individual circumstances.
Some of the different ways of communicating are:
- Use oesophageal voice.
- Use an artificial larynx.
- Use mouthing.
- Have surgical voice restoration.
There will always be a way in which you can communicate, such as sound, gestures, writing or other people reading your lips. All the hospital and community staff are dedicated to help and support you and your family to a new way of communication.
Preparation for surgical voice restoration is usually done at the time of your laryngectomy. A small opening is made at the back of the windpipe so that a voicing valve can be inserted when you have recovered from your surgery.
Straight away after surgery you will have a small tube through this opening into your foodpipe. This tube will be used to provide you with liquid food while you are unable to take anything by mouth.
In some hospitals valves are inserted straight away and you will have a tube through your nose which passes into the stomach. This tube then allows you to receive liquid food while you are unable to take anything by mouth. Your speech and language therapist will talk to you about this and give more information so you know exactly what to expect after your operation.
Who will be involved in my care?
You and your family may like to find out about what having a laryngectomy really means. You will meet several health professionals before your operation as well as the doctors and nurses.
Head and Neck Macmillan Nurses / Airway specialist Nurses will provide both you and your family with information, support and advice concerning all aspects of your illness, treatment and recovery.
Speech and Language Therapists will help you develop new ways of communicating and teach you new skills. You will be invited to meet with a person who has already gone through this operation and this may help you and your family more fully understand what to expect.
Dieticians will give you advice on all your nutrition needs throughout your treatment and ensure these are met while you are recovering from your surgery.
Physiotherapists will help you with your breathing whilst recovering from your laryngectomy.
He/She will also help with neck and shoulder exercises.
Head and Neck Counsellors will help give you and your family psychological support through your surgery and treatment and give opportunity for structured counseling if necessary.
How long does the operation take?
Pre-Treatment Assessment
You may be asked to attend a pre-treatment assessment where you will have a chance to meet and talk to the professionals involved in your care and discuss any issues you have with your treatment and recovery plan.
You may be asked to complete some questionnaires in order for your professional team to assess any immediate needs, both physical and psychological, to prepare you and your family for surgery.
Pre-Admission
You may be invited to attend a pre-admission assessment one or two weeks before your operation. This enables both the doctors and the nurses to assess your health needs and carry out tests such as, blood tests, heart tracings (ECG) and chest X-rays. This ensures that it is safe for you to undergo a general anaesthetic. It is important that you bring any medication that you are taking for the medial staff to see.
The pre-admission assessment clinic is an opportunity for you to meet the ward staff and see where you will be admitted on the day of your operation. It is also a time when you can ask questions and discuss any queries you may have concerning your operation.