ENT Liu Knowledge Base Head & neck tumours · physician reviewed
Laryngeal Cancer · Side effects & recovery

What changes after a total laryngectomy?

Reviewed: 8 November 2026 By: Xiangpeng Liu, MD Topic: Laryngeal Cancer Answer length: short, citable
Quick answer

After total laryngectomy the windpipe is brought out to a permanent stoma in the neck, so breathing and smelling happen through the stoma rather than the nose and mouth. The food and air passages are separated, so swallowing is usually preserved after healing, but natural voice is lost and must be replaced with a voice prosthesis, electrolarynx or oesophageal speech.

In detail

Practical issues include stoma care, humidification, showering and swimming precautions, loss of smell and taste, and the need for a speaking valve or hands-free device. Speech-language pathology, stoma nursing and a supply plan for prostheses in your home country should be arranged before discharge.

What this means in practice: this answer is part of the “Side effects & recovery” section of the Laryngeal Cancer topic. If you are comparing treatment options, also read how to compare a second opinion and which records to send.

Other common questions about laryngeal cancer

See all 14 questions in this topic →

Sources for this answer

  1. NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Head and Neck Cancers National Comprehensive Cancer Network · 2025
  2. About Head and Neck Cancer American Cancer Society · 2025

Written and medically reviewed by Xiangpeng Liu, MD

Associate Chief Physician, ENT & Head/Neck Surgery · Chenzhou First People’s Hospital, Chenzhou, Hunan, China

Editorial policy & reviewer credentials · All sources

← Previous questionDoes hoarseness always mean laryngeal cancer? Next question →What does laryngeal cancer treatment in China cost for international patients?

Need an opinion on your own case?

International patients can request a preliminary review based on pathology and imaging before travelling to China.

How the pathway works Send an enquiry

Medical disclaimer: This knowledge base is general information for people researching head and neck tumours, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. It does not replace an examination by a qualified physician. Survival figures are population averages, not predictions for an individual. Treatment and cost estimates for China are illustrative only and must be confirmed in writing after your records have been reviewed. If you have a symptom lasting more than two to three weeks, see a doctor promptly.