Laryngectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the larynx, or voice box, usually as a treatment for laryngeal cancer. It is normally performed when other treatment options, such as radiation or chemotherapy, fail. Laryngectomies can be total or partial. Total laryngectomy, or the resection of entire larynx, is considered when the cancer metastasizes to the surrounding structures in the neck such as the lymph nodes. Partial laryngectomy is done when the cancer cells are confined to the site where they evolved. (See References 1)
Total Laryngectomy
Total laryngectomy involves an incision, or cut, through the skin of the neck. The voice box is removed, and a small hole, called a stoma, is made through the trachea, or wind pipe, into the esophagus. Your surgeon can put a small valve, called a voice prosthesis, into the stoma during the operation. (See References 1) The voice prosthesis allows you speak after your voice box has been removed. However, with total laryngectomy, normal speech is no longer possible. (See References 2)
Partial Laryngectomy
Partial laryngectomy is less invasive surgery to remove only part of the larynx. It is considered for smaller laryngeal cancer. There are different types of partial laryngectomy procedures, depending on the type of cancer you have, where the cancer is and whether the cancer has spread within the larynx or to other parts. These include endoscopic or transoral resection, horizontal or supraglottic partial laryngectomy, supracricoid partial laryngectomy and vertical partial laryngectomy. (See References 1 and 2)
Risks for Surgery
Early-stage of laryngeal cancer can be cured with laryngectomies. However, it sets a limit on functional restoration and the return to an active life-style. The patients may also demonstrate major psychological stress or depression from unsuccessful adaptations. Serious complications can occur from the scarring or narrowing of the stoma, known as stomal stenosis, leakage around the stoma or voice prosthesis, infection and trauma to the parts of the esophagus or trachea. (See References 1)
