How do you assess a laryngectomy?

The primary indication for laryngectomy is the presence of a malignant tumor of a size and in a location in the larynx which requires surgical removal of the structure. Size, location, invasiveness, and spread of the tumor will determine the extent of the surgical excision required.

How does a laryngectomy affect speech?

Having a total laryngectomy removes your larynx and vocal cords, so the way you speak after a laryngectomy is going to change. Your voice will sound different than it did before because it is no longer coming from your vocal cords.

How do you speak after a laryngectomy?

Voice prosthesis after laryngectomy A voice prosthesis is the most common way to restore speech after surgery. The voice prosthesis is a valve that allows you to make sounds by pushing air from your lungs through the valve and up into your mouth.

Can laryngectomy patient speak?

If you have had all of your larynx removed (total laryngectomy), you will not be able to speak normally, because you’ll no longer have vocal cords. There are a number of different ways you can learn to communicate again, although they can take weeks or months to learn.

How does a laryngectomy affect speaking and swallowing?

Laryngectomy removes the larynx, cutting off the connection between your mouth and lungs. After a laryngectomy, the esophagus and trachea no longer share the common space. You’ll need to learn a new way of swallowing to account for this change. You’ll breathe through a surgical hole in your neck called a stoma.

How is esophageal speech produced after a total laryngectomy?

Voice Restoration after Total Laryngectomy Appropriate tensing of the pharyngeal walls during expiratory airflow results in vibration of the pharyngeal walls, which creates sound. Esophageal speech is typically of lower pitch than normal speech frequencies because of characteristics of the pharyngeal wall.

Which of the following would a SLP use to work with a laryngectomy patient to produce speech?

Electrolarynx. An electrolarynx, also called an artificial larynx, is an effective way to speak after a total laryngectomy.

How do you use the esophageal speech after a total laryngectomy?

Tracheoesophageal Voice Prosthesis The procedure involves: Making a surgical puncture between the airway (trachea) and the food pipe (esophagus) Placing a voice prosthesis in the puncture tract — the prosthesis allows air from the trachea to move into the esophagus and vibrate a muscle to create voice.

What are the complications of laryngectomy?

Complications related to a laryngectomy include:

  • Decreased thyroid gland function.
  • Esophagus or trachea damage.
  • Fistulas (abnormal connections between the pharynx and the skin)
  • Mobility limitations in the neck and shoulder area.
  • Problems with the stoma opening.
  • Trouble eating, speaking or swallowing.

What are the main methods of voice restoration after a total laryngectomy?

The 3 basic options for voice restoration after total laryngectomy (TL) are (1) artificial larynx speech, (2) esophageal speech, and (3) tracheoesophageal speech. Selection of a method should be based on input from the surgeon, speech pathologist, and patient.

What is the role of the SLP in the acute care patient with laryngectomy?

SLP involvement pre & post laryngectomy. Cleaning and maintenance of the stoma site and voice prosthesis/TEP. Options for alaryngeal speech. Complications regarding TEP/voice prosthesis and swallowing.