Management of Total Laryngectomy: Pre- and Postoperative Care

Course overview

Laryngeal cancer accounts for approximately 1% of all new cancer diagnoses worldwide. For some individuals with advanced stages of laryngeal cancer, failure of targeted organ preservation therapies, or a dysfunctional larynx, surgical intervention may be recommended in the form of a total laryngectomy (TL). Management of individuals undergoing TL requires a specific set of knowledge and skills to ensure successful outcomes postoperatively. This course is recommended for speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, registered nurses, occupational therapists, and social workers practicing in hospital, outpatient, skilled nursing, home care, private practice, or outpatient settings who are interested in learning more about the care of individuals undergoing total laryngectomy during the preoperative and immediate postoperative phases. This course will provide the participant with a foundation upon which to develop the skills necessary to care for individuals for whom total laryngectomy has been recommended. Participants will gain insight into the role of the speech-language pathologist (SLP) in the preoperative evaluation and counseling process. In addition, care of the individual in the acute postoperative phase will be addressed, including the roles of the SLP and the interprofessional team in ensuring that the individual post TL is able to: (a) complete self-care activities related to postsurgical anatomic changes, (b) communicate effectively, and (c) establish expectations related to breathing, communication, and swallowing function.