Total laryngectomy The voice of experience since 1978

and voice restoration What to expect

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What now?
Your doctor says your larynx (pronounced LAIR-inks), also called your “voice box,” needs to be removed.
Why? It could be for any of the following reasons:

• You have been diagnosed with cancer in your voice box, also known as laryngeal (lair-in-JEE-all) cancer
• Your voice box was damaged during radiation treatment
• You had a bad neck injury

As a result, you may need a surgery called a total laryngectomy (lair-in-JECK-toe-mee). The voice box is
removed during a total laryngectomy.

It is normal to have concerns and questions.

This brochure will give you information about what to expect from your surgery and what your commu-
nication choices may be following surgery. It may also help you plan for changes after your surgery. Your
healthcare team may have you meet with a speech-language pathologist to talk about these changes and
answer questions you may have about surgery.

Your healthcare team will always be your best resource for information.

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 A closer look at your neck and throat

Let’s focus on the following:

• Larynx (LAIR-inks): your voice box
• Trachea (TRAY-kee-ah): your “windpipe” or airway
• Esophagus (ee-SOF-ah-gus): your “food pipe”
• Pharynx (FAIR-inks): the inside of your throat

The larynx sits on top of the trachea and connects the trachea to the pharynx and the
pharynx to the esophagus.

The larynx plays an important role in:

• Breathing
• Talking
• Swallowing

Many changes take place during a laryngectomy. Understanding how breathing, talking,
and swallowing work before surgery will help to explain the changes that will take place
after surgery.

People often will have breathing trouble, hoarse-

ness or voice trouble, and/or swallowing trouble
when the larynx doesn’t work as it should because
of cancer, radiation treatment effects, or injury.

Breathing, talking, and swallowing

before laryngectomy

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Breathing
When you breathe, air is drawn in through
the nose and mouth, passes the vocal
cords, and enters the trachea and lungs.

Talking
When you talk, air comes up from the lungs
and vibrates the vocal cords, creating voice.

Swallowing
When you swallow, the windpipe closes,
allowing the food pipe to open so food
and liquid can go to the stomach.

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 Laryngeal cancer and treatment
The diagnosis of laryngeal cancer means abnormal cells are growing on the structures of the larynx. This
could include the vocal cords that produce voice and/or the tissue and cartilage around the vocal cords.

Your doctor will determine your cancer type and the stage of your cancer. This is based on the extent of
your cancer and may affect your treatment plan. Your medical team’s goal is to get rid of your cancer.
This process is different for every person. Some treatment options include:

Radiation: a treatment that uses high-energy particles or waves, such as x-rays, gamma rays, electron
beams, or protons, to damage or destroy cancer cells.

Chemotherapy: a type of cancer treatment that uses medications to increase the effects of radiation
therapy and to limit or stop the spread of cancer cells. This is also called “chemo.”

Total laryngectomy: a surgery that completely removes the larynx.

Total laryngectomy
During a total laryngectomy, the larynx is removed and two separate pipes are created for swallowing
and breathing/talking. The mouth is connected to the esophagus, forming one pipe for swallowing.
The trachea is redirected to create a permanent hole on the surface of the neck, forming one pipe for
breathing. This hole is called a tracheostoma (TRAY-kee-oh STOW-ma), or “stoma” for short. The nose
and the mouth do not connect to the lungs after this surgery.

Pre-laryngectomy Post-laryngectomy

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 Changes in breathing

After laryngectomy, you will only breathe through your

stoma. The stoma is a permanent hole in your neck
and should never close. Your doctor may recommend
using a laryngectomy tube to keep the stoma open
and round. These soft, silicone, reusable tubes come
in different widths and lengths. Your healthcare team
will decide if you should use a laryngectomy tube and
which size best fits you.

Before surgery, you breathed through your mouth and nose, which
heated, moisturized, and filtered the air before it reached your lungs.
Following laryngectomy, this natural system changes because the nose
and the mouth are not connected to the lungs. Your body cannot heat,
moisturize, or filter the air you breathe in. Therefore, the air reaching
your lungs will be cooler and drier. It will have more dirt and dust parti-
cles. You will also have a lower resistance during breathing.

Blom-Singer® Your body may produce additional mucus to help protect the lungs.
ClassicFlow® HME Many patients notice more coughing and hard mucus that is diffi-
BE 1055EZ cult to cough out. These are called “crusting” and “mucous plugs.”
Crusting and mucous plugs can be dangerous and make it difficult
to breathe. These can be reduced by using heat and moisture ex-
change systems, or HMEs.1

Blom-Singer®
EasyFlow® HME
BE 1055EF

Blom-Singer®
HumidiFilter ® Holder
BE 1060

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 The view inside an HME

An HME system is a small, lightweight cartridge that fits into many dif-
ferent accessories to sit over the stoma. It can be worn 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. It helps humidify, filter, and warm the air you breathe. This
may reduce how often you cough, how much mucus you produce, and
improve sleep.2 It also helps keep your hands and stoma site clean and
can help with speaking in some situations. Blom-Singer® HME cartridges
feature MucusShield™ technology, which helps protect the foam filter.

After laryngectomy, you should be very cau-

tious around water. Because the stoma is on
the outside of your neck and provides a direct
path to your lungs, it is harder to prevent water
from entering your lungs. You should never let
your neck go underwater, and you should avoid
activities like swimming or boating to avoid
accidental drowning. A “shower guard”
or “shower collar” may provide
protection for your stoma and
lungs during showering.
Shower Guard
BE 6048

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 Changes in communication

Following a total laryngectomy, you will not be able to

produce voice. That’s because your larynx and vocal cords
are removed during surgery. However, there are several
options for communication after laryngectomy. The four
most common methods:
• Nonverbal communication
• Esophageal (EE-sof-ah-JEE-ahl) speech
• Electrolarynx or artificial larynx
• Tracheoesophageal (TRAY-kee-oh-EE-sof-ah-JEE-ahl)
puncture (TEP) voice

Nonverbal communication

This includes writing, texting or typing, making facial

expressions and gestures, and mouthing words. There
are even programs on smartphones and computers that
speak what you type.

Esophageal speech

In esophageal speech, a small amount of air is swal-

lowed and trapped in the throat. It is pushed back up
into the mouth, creating a vibration of the tissue. This
vibration, like your voice before surgery, can be shaped
in the mouth to create speech. Esophageal speech can
be difficult to learn but can be very reliable. You should
talk to your healthcare team to see if this is a good
option for you.

Communicating with esophageal speech

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 Communicating with an electrolarynx

Electrolarynx (or artificial larynx)

An electrolarynx (EL) is a small, battery-operat-

ed device that creates vibration. It is placed flat
against the neck or cheek to vibrate tissue. A
small straw adapter can also be used inside the
mouth if skin on your neck or cheek is too sensi-
tive or does not allow sound to pass. When the
EL is placed in the best spot for you, vibration is
carried into the mouth to be shaped into speech.
EL speech may seem mechanical and takes some
practice, but it is reliable and low-maintenance.
You should talk to your healthcare team about
more tips and tricks for using an electrolarynx.

Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) speech

In 1978, Dr. Eric Blom and Dr. Mark Singer invented the surgical technique to restore people’s ability to speak
after laryngectomy. In addition to the surgical procedure, Drs. Blom and Singer created the Blom-Singer® family
of products.

Post-laryngectomy Tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis

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 Tracheoesophageal (TE) speech is considered the “gold-standard” in voice
restoration. It tends to be easier to produce and learn than esophageal speech
and sounds more natural than using an electrolarynx. A small hole or punc-
ture is made in the common wall between the trachea and the esophagus.
This puncture is visible inside the stoma and becomes a path to allow airflow
Blom-Singer® Low Pressure into the esophagus. A small silicone one-way valve is placed in the puncture
Voice Prosthesis
to keep it open. It also keeps food and liquid from flowing from the esophagus
Available lengths (mm) into the trachea. This one-way valve is called a tracheoesophageal prosthesis,
6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, 22, 25, 28 or TEP. TEPs come in many widths and lengths with many different features.
Your healthcare provider will determine which valve is best for you.

Blom-Singer® Classic™
Indwelling Voice Prosthesis - Sterile
Blom-Singer® Classic™
Available lengths (mm)
Indwelling Voice Prosthesis - Nonsterile
8, 10, 12, 14
Available lengths (mm)
4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20

Blom-Singer® Dual Valve™

Large Flange
Indwelling Voice Prosthesis

Available lengths (mm)

6, 8, 10, 12, 14

Blom-Singer® Dual Valve™

Indwelling Voice Prosthesis
Available lengths (mm)
6, 8, 10, 12, 14

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To talk, breathe in and gently cover the stoma, or press gently on the HME,
which covers the stoma. This directs air through the TEP and into the esopha-
gus, vibrating the tissue. This vibration is shaped by your mouth into speech.

The TEP needs regular maintenance, as the valve will begin to leak food and
liquid from the esophagus into the trachea. To prevent leaking, regular cleaning
with a “brush and flush” technique is necessary. The TEP will also need to be re-
placed. This is usually done in an outpatient clinic and does not require general
anesthesia. Some patients even change the TEP themselves.

Although a TEP is a great option for many people, it is not for everyone. Your
healthcare provider will determine if a TEP is the best option for you.

Blom-Singer®
ElectroLarynx EL 1000

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 Changes in swallowing
After a laryngectomy, food and liquid cannot go “down the wrong pipe” because the food pipe and
the windpipe are not connected. However, this does not mean that swallowing is perfect. Many
people notice some foods are harder to get down and they must drink liquids to help rinse their food
down. Some people also notice it takes longer for them to eat a meal. If you have trouble swallowing
after your laryngectomy, talk to your healthcare team.

What to expect at the hospital

After your surgery, you can expect to stay in the hospital for several days. This length of time will
be determined by your healthcare team. Your doctors will make sure you are healing well, getting
enough nutrition, and as comfortable as possible. Consider taking a white board and marker or pen
and paper for writing to the hospital with you. You can even use an electrolarynx immediately after
surgery to communicate. Laryngectomy Needs Charts can also be helpful when you are tired or need
to communicate quickly.

Laryngectomy Needs Chart

Download at:
www.inhealth.com/needs
Available in English and Spanish

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A “new normal”
Adjusting to life after laryngectomy can be difficult and anxiety and depression
are very common. Your healthcare team, friends, and family can help provide
a strong support network. Ask your healthcare team about local laryngectomy
support groups in your area. There are also several online resources available.
Know that you are never alone in your healing process.

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 Resources

If you have questions, need more information, or are looking for support, do not hesitate to reach out to the
following resources. They are here to help!

American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS)

www.entnet.org

The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery is the world’s largest organization representing
specialists who treat the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck.

American Cancer Society (ACS)

http://www.cancer.org

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to
eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from
cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.

Foundation for Voice Restoration (FVR)

http://www.getvoicing.org

The Foundation for Voice Restoration is a non-profit organization founded by a laryngectomee to provide educa-
tional material to the laryngectomee, family, caregivers, and medical professionals. Through a variety of outreach
programs, FVR has helped many laryngectomees across the country and around the world.

InHealth Technologies
http://www.inhealth.com

InHealth Technologies is a global leader in voice restoration systems. Since they first became available nearly 40
years ago, Blom-Singer® products have become the international gold standard for voice restoration, enabling
thousands of laryngectomees worldwide to regain their ability to speak.

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International Association of Laryngectomees (IAL)
http://www.theial.com

The IAL is a non-profit voluntary organization composed of approximately 250 member clubs and recognized
regional organizations. These clubs are generally known as “Lost Chord” or “New Voice” clubs. Clubs are composed
of from 10 to more than 300 laryngectomees. The IAL helps local clubs support laryngectomees in their area.

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

www.cancer.gov

The National Cancer Institute is the federal government’s principal agency for cancer research and training and
the nation’s leader in cancer research. The NCI is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is one of 11
agencies that comprise the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

WebWhispers
http://www.webwhispers.org

WebWhispers was started in 1996 for those who had questions about larynx cancer treatments, surgery, recovery,
and what life is like after laryngectomy surgery. They are now the largest support group for survivors of larynx and
other throat cancers.

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 Glossary (or what do all those words mean?)

Artificial larynx: an electrolarynx (EL) is a device similar in size to an electric razor that creates vibration.
When the EL is optimally placed, vibration is carried into the mouth to be shaped into audible speech. The
device is most commonly placed on the surface of the neck, but can also be placed on the face or in the
mouth with an oral adaptor.

Blom-Singer® Voice Restoration System: an innovative voice prosthesis system invented in 1978
by Dr. Eric D. Blom and Dr. Mark Singer to help laryngectomees regain their ability to speak using TE
(tracheoesophageal) speech.

Chemotherapy: a type of cancer treatment that uses medications to increase the effects of radiation
therapy or restrict the spread of cancer cells. Also called “chemo.”

Clinician-placed indwelling voice prosthesis: a type of tracheoesophageal prosthesis (TEP). This particular
prosthesis is placed and replaced by a healthcare professional.

Electrolarynx: see “artificial larynx” listed above.

Esophageal speech: in esophageal speech, the individual takes air in through the mouth and traps it in the
throat or pharynx. The air is then released, creating vibration of the interior throat. This vibration, like voice
before surgery, can then be shaped in the mouth to create audible speech.

Esophagus: the “food tube.” This tube is positioned behind or posterior to the trachea (airway).

Heat and moisture exchange system (HME): this system offers resistance during breathing while
filtering inhaled air and maintaining some of the natural humidity that has been lost because of a total
laryngectomy. An HME system is a two-part system consisting of a cassette and a baseplate or housing
(which can be a tube or button).

Laryngeal cancer: cancer of the larynx or “voice box.”

Laryngectomee: a term used for a person who has had a total laryngectomy.

Laryngectomy: or “total laryngectomy,” a surgical procedure to remove the larynx.

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Laryngectomy tube: a hollow tube that may be placed in the stoma during or following a total laryngectomy.

Larynx: the “voice box.” The larynx plays an important role in breathing, producing vibration for voice, and
swallowing.

Patient-changeable voice prosthesis: a type of tracheoesophageal prosthesis (TEP). This particular

prosthesis is intended for individuals who are able to place and care for their TEP themselves.

Pharynx: the space inside your neck, including the interior mouth, nose, and upper airway.

Radiation treatment: a treatment that uses high-energy particles or waves, such as x-rays, gamma rays,
electron beams, or protons, to destroy or damage cancer cells. It may be used in combination with surgery
and/or chemotherapy. Also known as radiotherapy.

Speech-language pathologist (SLP): a healthcare professional who specializes in the rehabilitation of

communication and swallowing function.

Trachea: the “windpipe” or airway.

Tracheoesophageal (TE) speech: a form of voice restoration that involves a surgical puncture in the
communicating wall between the trachea and esophagus. A voice prosthesis (TEP) must be placed to make
TE speech safe and effective.

Tracheostoma or stoma: a permanent hole created during a laryngectomy by redirecting the airway to the
surface of the neck. The stoma is the only way to breathe after a laryngectomy.

Voice prosthesis or tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis (TEP): a small silicone valve that is placed
into the surgically created tracheoesophageal puncture. The one-way valve permits air to move into the
esophagus to achieve vibration for voicing but remains closed so that food or liquid does not move into the
trachea.

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The voice of experience since 1978

UNITED STATES
1. Foreman A, De Santis R, Enepekides D, Higgins K. Heat and moisture exchanger use reduces in-hospital 1110 Mark Avenue
complications following total laryngectomy: A case-control study. Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.
2016;45(1):1-5. Carpinteria, CA 93013-2918 USA
Toll Free: 800.477 .5969
2. Ackerstaff AH, Hilgers FJ, et al. Improvements in respiratory and psychosocial functioning following total Toll Free Fax: 888.371.1530
laryngectomy by the use of a heat and moisture exchanger. Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology.
1993;102(11):878-883.
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