Voice rehabilitation after external partial laryngeal surgery

Abstract

Excising part or all of a larynx as a cancer operation results in changes that transgress anatomic, physiologic, psychologic, and social common principles. The treatment of laryngeal cancer has evolved significantly over the prior 5 decades, and better diagnostic procedures, combined with an improved understanding of the anatomico-clinical behavior of laryngeal tumors, has allowed the development of external partial or "organ-preservation" laryngeal surgery. When total or partial laryngectomy procedures are performed,profound changes in anatomy and physiology and, thus,voice are inevitable. Because the spectrum of these changes maybe broad, the role of professional rehabilitation therapy has taken an involved, multidisciplinary approach, with an integrated understanding of anticipated and potential functional outcomes.