What is laryngectomy used for?
A laryngectomy is a major surgery that is done to remove your voice box, or larynx. Your larynx is the part of your throat that contains your voice box. It’s located at the upper end of your windpipe (trachea). Your larynx is important for breathing, swallowing, and speaking.
Can you eat with a total laryngectomy?
Yes, you can eat after a total laryngectomy. The procedure involves removal of the larynx, but the continuity between the throat and food pipe is retained.
What is supraglottic swallow used for?
A swallowing technique in which a person coughs right at the end of a swallow to help prevent any swallowed food or liquid from going down into the airway.
What is the supraglottic region?
The upper part of the larynx (voice box), including the epiglottis; the area above the vocal cords. The three parts of the larynx are the supraglottis (including the epiglottis), the glottis (including the vocal cords), and the subglottis.
What is supraglottic edema?
1Supraglottic edema, which is one of the causes of failed extubation, is most often underdiagnosed because of its spontaneous regression. 2However, in its severe form, it may necessitate reintubation and long-term airway care, associated with high morbidity.
What is a supraglottic laryngectomy?
The front of the voice box is made of cartilage and is sometimes called the Adam’s apple. During a supraglottic laryngectomy (sooprah-GLOT-tik lair-un-JECT-uh-me), a surgeon removes the top part of your voice box (larynx), near your vocal cords. Your doctor may ask you to have tests done before surgery.
What are the treatment options for acute supraglottis cancer?
Cancer extending inferiorly from the supraglottis to involve the glottic larynx may be successfully resected with preservation of laryngeal function employing supracricoid laryngectomy (see Supracricoid laryngectomy protocol). Debate continues regarding which cases are best treated with surgery and which with irradiation.
How can a speech therapist help me with supraglottic swallowing?
A speech therapist will work with you to help you learn the supraglottic swallowing technique. A barium swallow also may be done to study your swallowing. You will be started on a pureed diet after the trach is removed, and when the doctor and speech therapist feel you are ready.
What is transglottic extension of the tongue?
Transglottic extension to involve the true vocal cord or periglottic space (see Supracricoid laryngectomy protocol) Extensive involvement of the base of tongue past the circumvallate papillae or sufficient involvement to require bilateral resection of the hypoglossal nerves or lingual arteries (see Total Laryngectomy protocol)