Our Summary

This research paper is a study conducted over a period of twenty years (1997-2017) on a specific type of surgery for throat cancer, called supratracheal laryngectomy. This procedure is mainly used for advanced cases of cancer and aims to keep the larynx functioning as much as possible.

The researchers looked at 29 patients who went through this surgery in Brazil. They wanted to understand how safe this surgery was, how well it worked, and how well it managed to remove the cancer.

Out of the 29 patients, the majority didn’t have any treatment before this surgery. Only one patient had cancer left behind after the surgery. Four patients had their cancer come back - three in the same area and one in a different area. Five patients needed further surgery, with two due to complications and three because the cancer returned in the same spot. Unfortunately, four patients passed away - two from problems after the surgery and two because their cancer returned.

After five years, 82.1% of the patients were still alive, and 88.2% were alive without the cancer coming back. Around 83% were free of any disease and 80.2% did not need any further throat surgery.

In conclusion, the researchers believe that this type of surgery can be beneficial for selected patients with advanced throat cancer, as it offers a high rate of survival and a good chance of not needing further surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is a supratracheal laryngectomy and when is it used?
  2. What were the main findings of this 20-year study on supratracheal laryngectomy in Brazil?
  3. What were the survival rates and the rates of recurrence after five years among the patients who underwent supratracheal laryngectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laryngectomy is to follow a strict post-operative care plan, including regular follow-up appointments, speech therapy, and proper wound care to ensure optimal healing and recovery. It is also important for patients to quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke to reduce the risk of complications and improve overall health outcomes.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laryngectomy are those with advanced throat cancer that has not responded to other treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy. These patients may have tumors that are too large or have spread to nearby tissues, making it difficult to remove them without removing the larynx. Laryngectomy may also be recommended for patients who have recurrent cancer in the larynx or surrounding areas after previous treatments.

Additionally, patients who have significant difficulty breathing or swallowing due to their cancer may be candidates for laryngectomy. This surgery can help improve their quality of life by restoring their ability to breathe and eat normally.

It is important for patients considering laryngectomy to discuss their treatment options with a team of healthcare professionals, including surgeons, oncologists, and speech therapists, to determine if this surgery is the best course of action for them.

Timeline

Before the laryngectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with advanced throat cancer
  • Patient undergoes various tests and consultations to determine the best course of treatment
  • Patient may undergo chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to shrink the tumor
  • Patient may experience symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and persistent coughing

After the laryngectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the laryngectomy surgery to remove the larynx (voice box) and surrounding tissues affected by cancer
  • Patient may experience temporary or permanent changes in speech and swallowing abilities
  • Patient may need to undergo speech therapy and rehabilitation to learn how to communicate without a voice box
  • Patient may need to use a stoma (opening in the neck) to breathe and may need to use a device to help with breathing
  • Patient may need to make lifestyle changes such as avoiding certain foods and practicing good stoma care
  • Patient will undergo regular follow-up appointments and tests to monitor for any signs of cancer recurrence

Overall, the laryngectomy procedure can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life, but it can also be life-saving for those with advanced throat cancer. With proper care and support, patients can learn to adapt to the changes and live a fulfilling life after the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about laryngectomy include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laryngectomy surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process after laryngectomy surgery, and what can I expect during this time?
  3. Will I be able to speak and swallow normally after the surgery, and what rehabilitation or therapy will be needed?
  4. Are there any long-term side effects or changes in quality of life that I should be aware of?
  5. How often will I need follow-up appointments and monitoring after the surgery?
  6. What is the success rate of laryngectomy surgery for my specific type and stage of cancer?
  7. Are there alternative treatments or surgical options available for my condition?
  8. How experienced is the surgical team in performing laryngectomy procedures?
  9. What support services or resources are available for patients undergoing laryngectomy surgery and their families?
  10. What lifestyle changes or adjustments may be necessary after laryngectomy surgery?

Reference

Authors: Garcia AM, Dias FL, Gonçalves AJ, Cernea CR, Freitas EQ, Menezes MB, Kulcsar MAV. Journal: Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2020 Sep-Oct;86(5):609-616. doi: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2019.04.004. Epub 2019 May 23. PMID: 31175040