A laryngectomy is the surgical removal of the larynx. One of the most important functions of the larynx, or voice box, is to ensure that fluids and solids pass through the esophagus and not the lungs after they are swallowed. Vocal folds are also located in the larynx. Vibrations caused by exhaled air passing through the vocal folds result in sounds and speech.

Laryngeal cancer is cancer of the larynx, or voice box. Common symptoms of laryngeal cancer may include: lumps in the neck, persistent bad breath and coughs, ear aches and hoarseness. A laryngectomy is a procedure that is performed to treat this disease.

Procedure information
While treatment for laryngeal cancer depends on the location and stage of the tumor, a laryngectomy is a common procedure used to treat patients with the disease. Typically, when chemotherapy and radiation treatments are unsuccessful in preserving the larynx, a laryngectomy is necessary.

When a laryngectomy is performed, the voice box is surgically removed and detached from the air passage system of the mouth, esophagus and nose. When the larynx is removed, the connection between the trachea or windpipe and mouth cease to exist and air can no longer pass through to the lungs. Thus, a new opening in the front of the neck is made to promote air passage through the windpipe.

Recovery time
Immediately after a laryngectomy, swallowing liquids, solids and food will not be possible. A plastic feeding tube will be inserted into the stomach through the nose during the first week after the procedure. Roughly after one week, the lower throat should have healed enough for the patient to begin swallowing at which point the feeding tube is removed.

Because air no longer passes through the nose and mouth after a laryngectomy, it is no longer warmed before it reaches the trachea. This results in drier and cooler air reaching the windpipe causing a build up and blockage of crusty mucus. To prevent such a blockage, laryngectomy patients should wear a protective humidifying mask until they are used to the cooler air.