Speech therapy after total laryngectomy and esophageal replacement in a preschool patient: a case study

This case study reports the development of a speech and language therapy program for a preschool boy laryngectomized at age two and three-quarters. Etiology was attributed to the accidental ingestion of lye, which caused severe burns and subsequent damage to both the larynx and esophagus. During the 20-month hospital stay, colon transplantation to the pharynx and laryngectomy were performed and a speech therapy program was initiated. The speech pathologist worked closely with the patient by stimulating his speech and language, developing his articulation skills, and finally providing him with a means of using expressive speech via an electrolarynx designed for him. In addition to the case study, this report reviews the different methods of alaryngeal speech, and suggests the need for further research in developing these methods as viable alternatives for the young laryngectomized child.