ROUTINE PREOPERATIVE TEACHING OF THE ADULT PATIENT
see also:
- Laryngectomy Home Care Booklet
- Total laryngectomy (surgical protocol)
- Tracheoesophageal puncture (video attached)
return to: Speech Pathology Protocols
Objective:
- Patient/family will verbalize understanding of anatomical and physiological changes following total laryngectomy.
- Patient/family will be introduced to laryngeal speech methods and to devices and products typically helpful to laryngectomees.
Content:
- Basic overview of head and neck anatomy and physiology as pertaining to voice, speech, smell, air filtration/humidification, and swallowing.
- Compare to post-total laryngectomy anatomy and physiology utilizing diagrams and models. Stress importance of safety around bodies of water, poor sense of smell, and benefits of covering the stoma with a filter.
- Educate regarding potential swallowing difficulties following surgery.
- Educate patient regarding potential methods of communication esophageal speech, tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis, artificial larynx (electrolarynx, UltraVoice system, etc.), and augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) devices (Lightwriter, DynaVox, etc.).
- Show videos of laryngectomees using an artificial larynx, esophageal speech, AAC device, and tracheoesophageal speech.
- Further discussion of pros and cons of each communication method.
- Show patient sample products such as stoma filter, shower shield, and medical alert bracelet.
- Encourage patient to express feelings regarding body image communication, or lifestyle changes to speech-language pathologist and other health care providers.