Our Summary

This study describes a new technique using a robot to perform a total laryngectomy, which is a surgery to remove the entire voice box. The surgery was performed on two cadavers for practice, and then on two real patients. The first patient had a type of throat cancer that wasn’t responding to chemo and radiation therapy, and the second patient had a history of head and neck cancer and was having difficulty breathing and swallowing because his voice box wasn’t working properly. The surgery was successful in all cases. Even though the surgeries took longer on the real patients than on the cadavers, there were no complications. The researchers believe this robotic surgery technique is effective and can be replicated by other surgeons.

FAQs

  1. What is a total laryngectomy?
  2. How does the new technique of using a robot to perform a total laryngectomy work?
  3. What were the outcomes of the robotic surgeries performed on the two real patients?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laryngectomy is to practice good oral hygiene to prevent infections and complications. This includes regularly cleaning the stoma (the opening in the neck where the voice box used to be) and following the doctor’s instructions for wound care. It’s also important to stay hydrated and to avoid smoking and alcohol, as these can irritate the stoma and increase the risk of infection. Regular follow-up appointments with the doctor are essential for monitoring healing and addressing any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a laryngectomy include those with:

  • Throat cancer that is not responding to other forms of treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy
  • Severe damage to the larynx due to previous head and neck cancer
  • Difficulty breathing and swallowing due to dysfunction of the voice box
  • Recurrent or persistent laryngeal cancer
  • Advanced stage laryngeal cancer that has spread to nearby tissues

Ultimately, the decision to recommend a laryngectomy will depend on the individual patient’s specific medical history and condition.

Timeline

Before laryngectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with throat cancer or other condition that requires removal of the voice box
  • Patient undergoes various tests and consultations with medical professionals to determine the best course of treatment
  • Patient may undergo chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to try to shrink the tumor or eliminate cancer cells
  • Patient may experience difficulty breathing, swallowing, and speaking due to the condition affecting the voice box

After laryngectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the surgical removal of the entire voice box
  • Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to recover from the surgery
  • Patient will need speech therapy to learn how to communicate without a voice box
  • Patient may need to use a tracheostomy tube to help them breathe
  • Patient may need to make lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain foods or activities that could irritate the tracheostomy tube
  • Patient may need to attend regular follow-up appointments with medical professionals to monitor their recovery and overall health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a laryngectomy and why is it necessary in my case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a laryngectomy?
  3. How will a laryngectomy affect my ability to speak and swallow?
  4. What is the recovery process like after a laryngectomy surgery?
  5. Will I need any additional therapies or treatments after the laryngectomy?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to a laryngectomy that I should consider?
  7. How experienced are you in performing laryngectomy surgeries, and what is your success rate?
  8. Can you explain the robotic surgery technique that will be used for my laryngectomy?
  9. What can I expect in terms of long-term outcomes and quality of life after a laryngectomy?
  10. Are there any support groups or resources available for patients who have undergone a laryngectomy?

Reference

Authors: Lawson G, Mendelsohn A, Fakhoury R, Van der Vorst S, Remacle M, Bachy V, Delahaut G. Journal: ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec. 2018;80(3-4):171-177. doi: 10.1159/000490595. Epub 2018 Nov 5. PMID: 30396173