Discharge Instructions for Laryngectomy
You had a procedure called laryngectomy, which is surgery to remove the larynx (voice box). The larynx is located in the throat. It connects the upper part of the airway (mouth and throat) with the lower part of the airway (trachea). Here's what you need to know about home care following surgery.
Incision and Stoma Care
-
Check your incision site daily for 1 week after discharge. Change the dressing according to the directions you were given.
-
Bathe in shallow water. If any water enters your stoma, it will make you cough.
-
Use a waterproof bib to cover your stoma when you shower.
-
Don’t swim.
-
Learn to care for your stoma. This includes cleaning and suctioning.
-
Wear a stoma cover to keep moisture from being lost when you breathe.
-
Use a cool-mist humidifier by your bedside. Be sure to clean the humidifier regularly.
Activity
-
Plan frequent rest periods to avoid shortness of breath.
-
Don’t drive until you are off your pain medication and free of pain. This may take 2 to 4 weeks.
-
Perform deep breathing and controlled coughing exercises. Ask your healthcare provider for instructions.
Break the Smoking Habit
-
Enroll in a stop-smoking program to increase your chances of success.
-
Ask your doctor about medications or other methods to help you quit.
-
Ask family members to quit smoking as well.
-
Don’t allow smoking in your home or around you.
Other Home Care
-
Wear a medical alert pendant or bracelet to alert others to your condition. It should say “Neck Breather—Resuscitate Through Stoma.”
-
Use pain medication as necessary.
-
Plan a diet that helps you avoid choking. You may receive tube feedings and progress to soft foods and liquids as your swallowing reflex returns.
-
Keep a pad of paper and a pen close at hand to communicate with others.
-
Develop a plan for learning to speak again. Ask your doctor about the options available to you.
Follow-Up
-
Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.
-
Arrange to see a speech pathologist.
-
Ask about reconstructive surgery, if needed.
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:
-
Fever above 101°F
-
Signs of infection around the stoma or incision (redness, drainage, warmth, pain)
-
Shortness of breath without exertion
-
Trouble swallowing
-
Nausea or vomiting
IMPORTANT: If you ever have trouble breathing, call 911 (emergency) right away.
