TOTAL LARYNGECTOMY AS A TREATMENT FOR ADVANCED LARYNGEAL CANCER - A CASE REPORT

Introduction Laryngectomy is a surgical intervention that involves the partial or complete excision of the larynx, which is the primary organ responsible for phonation and airway protection. The most common indications for laryngectomy are malignancies of the larynx or severe trauma resulting in extensive damage to the larynx. The surgical procedure can be performed as a partial laryngectomy, which involves the removal of a portion of the larynx, or as a total laryngectomy, which requires the complete removal of the larynx, including the vocal folds, hyoid bone, epiglottis, thyroid and cricoid cartilage, and several rings of tracheal cartilage. This surgical intervention results in the separation of the upper airway from the oral cavity, nasopharynx, and esophagus, requiring the establishment of an alternative means for respiration and speech production. The management of patients who undergo laryngectomy requires a multidisciplinary approach, including the involvement of speech therapist and psychologists, among other healthcare professionals, to optimize the rehabilitation process and improve patient outcomes. Case presentation A 66-year-old male patient with a 30-year history of cigarette smoking was admitted to the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) clinic for complaints of hoarseness and dysphagia that had been present for several months. On examination, the patient's throat was unchanged, and there was no purulent discharge from the nose. The patient was diagnosed with laryngeal carcinoma, stage T3N1M0. Conclusions Total laryngectomy is a highly effective treatment option for advanced stage laryngeal cancer, with 5-year survival rates ranging from 53% to 86%. Patients who undergo total laryngectomy and receive a voice prosthesis and voice rehabilitation with a speech therapist report better voice quality and overall quality of life, which can help to reduce the risk of depression and anxiety following surgery.