A laryngectomy guide
The basic to get started
A total laryngectomy is a surgery performed in the advanced stages of cancer. The procedure involves removing your voice box – also called the larynx. After a laryngectomy, breathing happens via an opening in the neck instead of the nose and mouth.
Undergoing a total laryngectomy can be an overwhelming experience, but you shouldn’t feel isolated. There are more than 100,000 people worldwide that have undergone the same operation and proven it’s possible to maintain your quality of life.
What is a total laryngectomy?
A life-changing surgery
The larynx plays several important roles. It houses the vocal folds that make our voice sound. The larynx also helps us to breathe and swallow. Therefore, removal of the voice box not only leads to changes in the voice, but also changes in breathing, swallowing, and smelling.
Laryngectomy products
Provox Vega Voice Prosthesis
A voice prosthesis designed for voice quality, low speaking effort, easy device maintenance and comfort.
Provox Life Home HME
An everyday HME designed to improve your lung health when you are taking it easy.
Provox Life LaryTube
Soft, silicone tubes for maintaining the opening of the tracheostoma while supporting pulmonary rehabilitation with the use of a Provox Life HME.
A new way of breathing
Breathing after laryngectomy
The function of your nose
Your nose does more than just smell – it heats, humidifies, and filters the air you breathe. In this way, you can be sure the air is at the right body temperature and contains enough moisture when it reaches your lungs for them to function properly.
After your total laryngectomy, you will breathe through the stoma in your neck so these nasal functions are lost. Breathing through an open stoma causes the temperature and humidity in your lungs to drop. The lungs react to this by producing more mucus, meaning you have to cough more (similar to having a cold) and your windpipe can feel irritated.
Breathing products
Provox Life Home HME
An everyday HME designed to improve your lung health when you are taking it easy.
Provox Life Go HME
An everyday HME design to make it easy to breathe when engaging in daily activities.
Provox Life Night HME
A nighttime HME designed to reduce coughing and mucus production for more restful nights.
CareTips sheets
Our CareTips resources have been created exclusively by Atos Medical Inc. This ever growing list of resources now includes digital documents that can be downloaded and printed as well as a selection of videos!
SEE ALL CARETIPS