Our Summary

The study looked at the use of a surgical procedure called partial laryngectomy in cats. This operation, which involves removing part of the larynx or voice box, has been used in humans but hasn’t been documented in cats before. The researchers looked at the medical records of six cats that had this surgery over a four-year period. The cats had different conditions, including lymphoma, carcinoma, a laryngeal cyst, and inflammatory laryngeal disease, which were causing breathing difficulties.

After surgery, all the cats survived, with some experiencing temporary breathing problems. In two cases, a temporary tube had to be placed in the windpipe to assist with breathing. There were no other complications after surgery, either immediately or in the long term. At the time of writing, four of the cats were still alive, having survived for at least 252 days post-surgery.

The results suggest that partial laryngectomy could be a successful treatment for cats with laryngeal masses, potentially offering longer survival times than other treatments. However, this conclusion is based on a small number of cases, and more research would be needed to confirm it.

FAQs

  1. What is a partial laryngectomy and has it been performed on cats before?
  2. What were the results of the study on the use of partial laryngectomy in cats?
  3. Can partial laryngectomy be considered a successful treatment for cats with laryngeal masses based on this study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laryngectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including avoiding smoking and maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent complications. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns. Additionally, speech therapy may be recommended to help with communication after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended laryngectomy are those who have conditions such as laryngeal masses, carcinoma, lymphoma, laryngeal cysts, or inflammatory laryngeal disease that are causing severe breathing difficulties. These conditions may not respond well to other treatments and may require surgical intervention to improve the patient’s quality of life and potentially extend their survival time. It is important to consult with a medical professional to determine the best course of treatment for each individual patient.

Timeline

  • Before laryngectomy:
  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hoarseness, persistent cough, and stridor (noisy breathing).
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as imaging scans, laryngoscopy, and biopsy to determine the cause of their symptoms.
  3. Patient receives counseling on the potential risks and benefits of laryngectomy as a treatment option for their condition.
  • After laryngectomy:
  1. Patient undergoes surgery to remove part or all of the larynx, depending on the extent of their condition.
  2. Patient may experience temporary breathing difficulties post-surgery and may require a temporary tracheostomy tube to assist with breathing.
  3. Patient receives post-operative care, including speech therapy and rehabilitation to help adjust to changes in communication and swallowing.
  4. Patient undergoes regular follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery and adjust their treatment plan as needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a laryngectomy and why is it being recommended for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a laryngectomy?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and what can I expect in terms of post-operative care?
  4. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after the laryngectomy?
  5. How will a laryngectomy affect my ability to speak and swallow?
  6. Will I need any special equipment or devices to assist with breathing or communication after the surgery?
  7. What are the long-term implications of having a partial laryngectomy?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or options available for my condition?
  9. How many of these procedures have you performed in the past, and what is your success rate?
  10. Are there any support groups or resources available for individuals who have undergone a laryngectomy?

Reference

Authors: Moser J, Haimel G, Tichy A, Findji L. Journal: J Feline Med Surg. 2022 Apr;24(4):373-380. doi: 10.1177/1098612X211027488. Epub 2021 Jul 8. PMID: 34236002