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.
BlogsA real-life case example: specialist nursing support in peristomal skin management of laryngectomy patients
At Atos, our aim is not only to provide a range of clinically backed products but to ensure all patients on Atos Care receive all the support they need. As part of this, we provide a complementary specialist nursing service, delivered by Head and Neck Specialist Nurses. Support is available via telephone, email, and text, with face-to-face home visits offered in selected regions.
BlogsTrachPhone Experience Programme (Acute Hospital) Initial Data Collection
The TrachPhone Experience Programme (TEP) was initially a quality improvement project run by the Atos Learning Institute. The TEP is an exciting way for clinicians to be involved in data collection through a quality improvement project they can take a lead role in, whilst having support from an Atos Clinical Educator throughout.
BlogsShout at Cancer – an interview with Dr. Thomas Moors
We sat down with Dr. Thomas Moors; founder and choir director of Shout at Cancer, to talk about the story behind the choir, and the impact of it.
TracheostomyTracheostomy Z cards
Precision starts with the right tools.
BlogsHumidified Oxygen Delivery for Laryngectomy Patients
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 Life Energy HME
An HME especially designed for physical activity
Provox Life Protect HME
Heats and humidifies the air you breathe with an effective filter
Provox Life Go HME
Easier breathing when you are out and about or engaged in your daily activities
Provox Life Night HME
An HME for more restful nights
Life after laryngectomy
Before total laryngectomy
Before surgery, you would breathe through your nose, mouth and throat – or what is known as the ‘upper airways’ .
After total laryngectomy
After a laryngectomy, breathing happens via an opening in the neck instead of the nose and mouth.
BlogsMeet Peter – A Provox Life user from Sweden
We spoke with Peter Lindell, a Provox Life user from Sweden who enjoys wearing the Protect HME in situations where he may be more exposed to dust, pollen, viruses, and bacteria.
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 Energy HME
An HME especially designed for physical activity
Provox Life Protect HME
Heats and humidifies the air you breathe with an effective filter
Provox Life Go HME
Easier breathing when you are out and about or engaged in your daily activities
Provox Life Night HME
An HME for more restful nights
BlogsMeet Leo - 10 years living with a laryngectomy
Leo Eppink comes from the northeast of the Netherlands and underwent a total laryngectomy 10 years ago. Today he is an enthusiastic patient educator, who has been committed to helping fellow laryngectomised people for many years. Leo’s ambition is to help these people achieve the highest possible quality of life.
BlogsMeet Peter – A Provox Life user from Sweden
We spoke with Peter Lindell, a Provox Life user from Sweden who enjoys wearing the Protect HME in situations where he may be more exposed to dust, pollen, viruses, and bacteria.
BlogsMeet Dorenda
Dorenda is an energetic young woman. In 2006, she underwent surgery for thyroid cancer at the Academic Medical Center (AMC) in Amsterdam. At that time she was a student, now she is a volunteer at FC Twente, a Dutch football club. Besides her voluntary work, she is a patient educator and lectures medical staff.
Hear from others who are living with a laryngectomy
Read stories from those who have undergone a laryngectomy
Do you want to help other Laryngectomees?
join our community
CareTips sheets
Learn how to care for your stoma, clean your voice prosthesis or how to change your adhesive. We have a range of tips and tricks to help you learn about living with a laryngectomy.
Find out more
