Vocal rehabilitation after partial or total laryngectomy

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Oncology

Background:

• Laryngeal cancer surgery necessitates vocal rehabilitation.
• Surgical approach dictates specific speech deficits.
• Patient concerns focus on post-operative speech function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the speech-related challenges associated with different laryngeal cancer surgeries.
• To describe the vocal rehabilitation strategies for each surgical type.

Main Methods:

• Review of surgical procedures for laryngeal cancer.
• Analysis of common speech deficits post-surgery.
• Description of established vocal rehabilitation techniques.

Main Results:

• Hemilaryngectomy leads to glottic incompetence.
• Supraglottic laryngectomy results in an aspirate voice.
• Total laryngectomy requires esophageal speech or alternative sound sources.

Conclusions:

• Vocal rehabilitation is integral to laryngeal cancer treatment.
• Tailored strategies are essential for each surgical intervention.
• Alternative communication methods exist when primary speech fails.