Total Laryngectomy

Complete surgical removal of the larynx for advanced laryngeal cancer

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board

Last updated: June 12, 2026

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department. Book Appointment →

What is Total Laryngectomy?

Total laryngectomy is the standard treatment for T4 laryngeal carcinoma, recurrence after chemoradiotherapy, and dysfunctional larynx (post-radiation chondronecrosis). The entire larynx including thyroid and cricoid cartilages, hyoid bone, and a portion of the trachea is resected; the remaining trachea is sutured to the skin to form a permanent tracheostoma.

Loss of voice is the most significant functional consequence; voice rehabilitation is achieved with tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP), electrolarynx, or esophageal speech. With TEP, intelligible voice is restored in approximately 90% of patients.

Selective neck dissection or modified radical neck dissection accompanies the procedure, and adjuvant radio/chemotherapy is administered based on pathology.

Symptoms

Persistent hoarseness for more than 3 weeks

Stridor and dyspnea

Dysphagia and odynophagia

Persistent neck mass

Hemoptysis

Referred otalgia

Risk Factors

Smoking (most important factor)

Heavy alcohol consumption

HPV infection (oropharyngeal involvement)

Occupational exposure (asbestos, wood dust)

Gastroesophageal reflux

Prior radiation therapy

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

Persistent hoarseness for 3 weeks or longer
Stridor or breathing difficulty
Dysphagia and weight loss
Cervical mass
Suspected recurrence after chemoradiotherapy

Treatment Methods

Direct laryngoscopy and biopsy

Neck CT/MRI and PET-CT staging

Total laryngectomy and selective neck dissection

Tracheoesophageal puncture and voice prosthesis (Provox)

Adjuvant radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy

Speech therapy and stoma care training

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book Appointment Contact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.