Procedure

Laryngectomy

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Laryngectomy

  • See Also
  1. Tracheostomy
  2. Cricithyrotomy
  • Indications
  1. Head and Neck Cancer
  • Definitions
  1. Laryngectomy
    1. Entire glottis is reconstructed
    2. Stoma is the ONLY airway
      1. Connection to the nose and mouth has been surgically removed
  2. Tracheostomy (in contrast to Laryngectomy)
    1. See Tracheostomy
    2. In the absence of Laryngectomy
      1. Communication with the nose and mouth is typically still patent
      2. Tracheostomy stoma is typically smaller than Laryngectomy stoma
    3. Tracheostomy tubes have a face plate with size and diameter information
      1. Laryngectomy tubes do not typically have a face plate
  • Management
  • Emergency Care of Laryngectomy patients
  1. Supplemental Oxygen
    1. Apply oxygen to the stoma
    2. Laryngectomy patients can NOT be oxygenated via the nose or mouth (no anatomic communication)
      1. Contrast with Tracheostomy, where anatomic communication with the upper airway typically persists
  2. Bag Valve Mask
    1. Use a pediatric Bag Valve Mask applied over the stoma
    2. May attach to a Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) applied over the stoma
      1. Direct the LMA with the narrow side pointed inferiorly toward the Sternum
  3. Endotracheal Tube
    1. Insert a cuffed tube into the stoma and inflate the cuff (similar process for both Laryngectomy and Tracheostomy)
  • References
  1. Mason and Bontempo (2026) Tracheostomy or Laryngectomy, EM:Rap, accessed 7/1/2026