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Laryngectomy

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Home | Health Information Center | Procedure & Surgery Fact Sheets | Article

Definition

Reasons for Procedure

Possible Complications

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

En Español

Definition

A laryngectomy is a full or partial removal of the voice box (larynx).

Reasons for Procedure

This surgery is done to treat cancer of the voice box. It may also be done to treat trauma to the voice box.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

Excess bleeding
Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
Infection
Blood clots
Damage to nearby structures
Problems speaking
The need for repeat surgery

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

Smoking
Drinking
Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or obesity

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

Anesthesia options
Any allergies you may have
Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
Whether you need a ride to and from surgery

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be used. You will be asleep.

Description of the Procedure

An incision will be made in the skin on the neck. The muscles that are attached to the voice box will be separated. The voice box and tissue around it will be removed.

A partial laryngectomy may be done. The doctor will remove only part of the voice box. This will allow for some normal speech and swallowing.

An opening called a stoma will be made from the outside of the neck to the windpipe. This is called a tracheostomy. It will allow for breathing.

Drainage tubes will be inserted to drain blood and fluid. The incisions will be closed. Bandages will be placed over the area.

How Long Will It Take?

5 to 9 hours

Will It Hurt?

Pain and swelling are common in the first 1 to 2 weeks. Medicine and home care can help.

Average Hospital Stay

The usual length of stay is 7 to 14 days. You may need to stay longer if you have problems.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

Right after the procedure, the staff may:

Give you pain medicines
Teach you how to care for the stoma
Arrange for speech therapy to learn new ways to communicate

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to lower your risk of infection, such as:

Washing their hands
Wearing gloves or masks
Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to lower your risk of infection, such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and staff to do the same
Reminding staff to wear gloves or masks
Not letting others touch your incisions

At Home

It will take about a month to recover. Physical activity will be limited during recovery. You will need to ask for help with daily activities and delay return to work.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
Redness, swelling, excess bleeding, or discharge from the incision
Nausea or vomiting
Pain that you cannot control with medicine
Problems breathing
Swallowing problems
Eating problems
Stoma is getting smaller
Saliva is leaking through the incision

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

American Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.org

National Cancer Institute
https://www.cancer.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.ca

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

References:

Chow LQM. Head and Neck Cancer. N Engl J Med. 2020 Jan 2;382(1):60-72.

Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/laryngeal-and-hypopharyngeal-cancer.html. Accessed December 7, 2020.

Management of head and neck cancer—based on cancer site. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/management-of-head-and-neck-cancer-based-on-cancer-site. Accessed December 7, 2020.

Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated: 4/21/2021

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