Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Learning Modern Laryngeal Surgery in a Dissection Laboratory
Published on: March 18, 2020
'No one told me I had a voice': patient experiences of functional laryngectomy
1Department of ENT, Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Croesnewydd Road, Wrexham, LL13 7TD, Wales, UK.
Background:
Patients with locally advanced laryngeal malignancy may be offered total laryngectomy or chemoradiotherapy. Laryngeal dysfunction is a consequence of non-surgical treatment and can result in issues with airway, voice, and swallow.
Methods:
Semi-structured qualitative interviews explore the experiences of patients who have undergone functional laryngectomy for non-functional larynx in one UK health board.
Results:
3 patients were identified and interviewed. Thematic Analysis generated four main themes: Preparation for treatment, Tipping Points, Post-Operative Quality of Life and Attitudes to Future Healthcare. These themes uncover the functional and psychological experiences of patients undergoing functional laryngectomy.
Conclusion:
This study explores the many facets of the decision to undergo functional laryngectomy; namely recognising a patient's tipping point and changes in attitudes towards surgical intervention. Ultimately this enhances our understanding of the rationale of patient's choices, which can aid in the counselling of future patients.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids,...
Tracheostomy Decannulation
Description of the Procedure
Decannulation refers to the permanent removal of the tracheostomy tube, signaling the resolution of the condition that initially necessitated the tracheostomy. The process requires a well-coordinated interplay between...
Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes:
Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask...
Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...

