Total Laryngectomy

Total laryngectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of an individual’s larynx (voice box). It is usually used to treat advanced cases of laryngeal cancer, or other laryngeal conditions that cannot be treated with other means. The aim of this procedure is to remove the cancerous cells from the larynx and ensure the individual’s chances of survival by hampering the spread of the disease. The removal of the larynx results in the loss of the individual’s ability to produce speech. Alternatives methods of communication, such as using an artificial larynx, a tracheoesophagal voice prosthesis, and/or electrolarynx, are often used in order to restore a person’s speech. Total laryngectomy is a major surgery and carries significant risks, such as damage to nearby structures, heavy blood loss, and hematoma formation. As such, efforts are made to preserve as much of the patient’s facial anatomy as possible during the surgery while still achieving the desired clinical outcome. Its importance lies in its ability to effectively treat advanced cases of laryngeal cancer in a way that can save lives while preserving quality of life as much as possible.