Professional resource
An educational guide for nurses and clinicians on post-laryngectomy care, communication adaptations, and confidence-building around altered anatomy.
A total laryngectomy results in permanent changes to a patient’s airway and voice. This resource is intended to support nursing teams and clinical staff in understanding the practical and communicative needs of patients following this surgery.
Following laryngectomy, the patient breathes through a permanent stoma in the neck. Staff should be familiar with stoma care, heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs), and emergency airway management protocols specific to laryngectomy patients.
Patients will work with a speech and language therapist (SLT) to establish a voice rehabilitation method. Options include tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis (TEP), electrolarynx, or oesophageal speech. Clinical staff should be aware of these methods to communicate effectively with patients during recovery.
Altered body image, voice loss, and changes to swallowing and breathing can have significant psychological impact. Early referral to psychological support services and peer support groups is recommended.
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A clinical overview distinguishing temporary tracheostomy from permanent laryngectomy, with key implications for airway management and patient care.