What are the Safety Concerns After a Laryngectomy?

In part 5 of our laryngectomy series, we discuss safety concerns and advice for patients recovering from surgery—after having their voice box removed.

Life After a Laryngectomy: A Six-Part Series

For patients with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers, surgery is a common treatment approach. One type of surgery that these patients may undergo is called a laryngectomy. In this blog series, we will go over the procedure and see what life might be like for patients after a laryngectomy.

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What is a Laryngectomy?

A partial or total laryngectomy is the removal of some or all of the larynx, or voice box. The larynx has several functions. It allows air to enter and leave the lungs, prevents objects and fluids from entering the lungs, and creates speech. 

Let’s continue exploring this series.

Part 5: Safety Concerns

In Part 5 of our “Life After a Laryngectomy” blog series, we highlight some safety concerns for patients who have had a laryngectomy. 

Emergency Steps for Laryngectomy Patients

After a laryngectomy, there are several important factors to be prepared for if you are ever in an emergency situation.

  • If you have trouble speaking, inform your local 911 and EMS services. It is important that they know to respond even if you don’t speak when you call. 
  • Get a free medical bracelet that identifies you as a “neck breather.” This will ensure that medical providers know CPR breathing or oxygen given through your mouth will be ineffective. 
  • Carry an alarm key chain or bell that can be used to call attention to you in an emergency situation where you would otherwise yell. 
  • Carry a paper and pen to write messages if you have trouble speaking or your speech is hard to understand.
  • Make sure you have properly working smoke detectors at all times. You may not be able to smell smoke from a fire or natural gas. 

Read Another Part

Part 6: Psychological Impact

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