Laryngectomy

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maximum cost
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Things you need to know

1.What is Laryngectomy ​?
2.Why do you need it?
3.Why cost vary in philippines?
4.Surgery cost range by city
5.Surgery Procedure
6.Recovery
7.Risk and complications
8.FAQ
9.Conclusion

What is Laryngectomy?

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Why do you need Laryngectomy?

Laryngectomy is indicated for:

  • Laryngeal cancer:
    • Advanced stages (T3–T4): Cancer of the larynx or hypopharynx not responding to radiation/chemotherapy.
    • Recurrence: After failed non-surgical treatment.
  • Rare indications:
    • Severe trauma: Irreparable laryngeal damage.
    • Chronic aspiration: Inability to swallow safely (e.g., neurological conditions).
  • Types:
    • Total laryngectomy: Removes the entire larynx; permanent tracheostomy created.
    • Partial laryngectomy: Removes part of the larynx (e.g., supraglottic laryngectomy); voice preservation possible but less common due to cancer stage.

The procedure aims to eradicate cancer, prevent its spread, and ensure safe breathing, though it requires significant adjustments to speech (via speech therapy) and breathing (via tracheostomy).

Why Do Laryngectomy Costs Vary in Philippines?

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Laryngectomy Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
    • Speech/swallowing assessment: Prepares for post-op rehabilitation.
    • Consent: Risks, including permanent voice loss, are explained.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • Total Laryngectomy:
      • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 4–6 hours.
      • Incision: Horizontal or U-shaped incision in the neck (10–15 cm).
      • Larynx removal:
        • Entire larynx (vocal cords, epiglottis) removed.
        • Pharynx reconstructed (often using a flap if cancer involves hypopharynx).
        • Tracheostomy: Trachea sutured to a permanent stoma in the neck for breathing.
      • Neck dissection: Lymph nodes removed if cancer has spread (selective or radical neck dissection).
      • Feeding tube: Temporary nasogastric tube (NGT) placed for nutrition (1–2 weeks).
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Endoscope: Visualizes tumor extent (pre-op).
      • Harmonic scalpel: Minimizes bleeding during dissection.
      • Tracheostomy tube: Secures airway post-surgery.
  • After Surgery:
    • Hospital stay: 7–14 days.
    • Care: Tracheostomy care (suctioning, humidified air); NGT feeding for 1–2 weeks.
    • Pain management: Moderate pain for 5–7 days; managed with analgesics (e.g., tramadol).
    • Instructions: Avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks; speech therapy starts after healing (2–4 weeks).

Recovery After Laryngectomy

  1. Hospital Stay: 7–14 days.
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain/Swelling: Moderate neck pain for 5–7 days; swelling resolves in 2–3 weeks.
    • Breathing: Permanent tracheostomy; requires daily cleaning, humidification, and suctioning.
    • Nutrition: NGT feeding for 1–2 weeks; swallowing therapy to resume oral intake (2–4 weeks).
    • Speech: Voice loss immediate; speech options:
      • Electrolarynx: Handheld device (starts 2–4 weeks).
      • Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP): Prosthesis placed (3–6 months post-op) for better voice.
      • Esophageal speech: Taught via therapy (less common).
    • Activity: Avoid strenuous activity for 6 weeks; neck mobility exercises after 2 weeks.
  3. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and every 3–6 months for cancer surveillance.
    • Imaging: CT/PET at 3–6 months to check for recurrence.

Most resume normal activities in 4–6 weeks; full adjustment (speech, swallowing) takes 6–12 months. Success rate: 85–90% achieve cancer control (5-year survival for early-stage laryngeal cancer); speech rehabilitation success varies (60–80% with TEP achieve good voice).

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Bleeding (2–5%): Neck hematoma; may need drainage.
    • Infection (3–5%): Wound or stoma infection; treated with antibiotics.
    • Pharyngocutaneous fistula (5–10%): Leakage of saliva through the neck incision; may need surgical repair.
  • Post-Surgery:
    • Stoma narrowing (2–5%): Scar tissue at tracheostomy site; may need dilation.
    • Swallowing difficulty (5–10%): Due to pharyngeal reconstruction; managed with swallowing therapy.
    • Hypothyroidism (10–20%): If thyroid gland affected; needs lifelong thyroid medication.
    • Cancer recurrence (10–20% over 5 years): Needs radiation or further surgery.
  • Long-Term:
    • Social/psychological impact: Adjusting to voice loss and tracheostomy; support groups help.
    • Stoma care issues: Mucus buildup or crusting; needs consistent care.

Report fever, severe pain, swelling, breathing difficulty, or leakage from the incision promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes laryngeal cancer?

Smoking, alcohol, HPV infection, or chronic vocal cord irritation; 90% are squamous cell carcinomas.

Can I avoid laryngectomy?

Yes, for early-stage cancer: Radiation or partial laryngectomy; total laryngectomy is for advanced cases.

Is laryngectomy painful?

Moderate pain for 5–7 days, managed with medication; discomfort reduces in 2–3 weeks.

How soon can I resume activities?

Light activities: 2–3 weeks; normal activities: 4–6 weeks; full adjustment: 6–12 months.

Is laryngectomy covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for cancer treatment; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Fever, severe pain, swelling, breathing difficulty, or leakage from incision.

Will I ever speak again after laryngectomy?

Yes, with rehabilitation: 60–80% achieve good speech with TEP; electrolarynx or esophageal speech are alternatives.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Daily tracheostomy care, speech/swallowing therapy, avoid smoking/alcohol, and attend regular cancer follow-ups.

Conclusion

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Looking for Best Hospitals for Laryngectomy

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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