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Complications Following Total Laryngectomy

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Clinical Care and Rehabilitation in Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

Complications following total laryngectomy may be categorized in several ways, and they can range from minor issues to those that are potentially life-threatening. The most commonly reported complications include pharyngocutaneous fistula, wound infections, tracheostomal stenosis, chyle leak, and hematoma or hemorrhage. When complications do occur, they may have a significant potential to impact one’s recovery and well-being. Some complications may also have a direct influence on voice and speech rehabilitation. This chapter provides the reader with a working framework with which to categorize complications, to understand potential management strategies, and to anticipate when and why these complications may occur. Additionally, the potential relationship of some types of complication on voice and speech rehabilitation is outlined. Collectively, we believe that the clinician’s ability to understand the range of complications which may occur can have direct implications for short- and long-term outcomes. To achieve the best outcomes for our patients, mitigation of postoperative complications is imperative, and that can only be accomplished through a broad understanding of the potential strategies and therapies available to both the surgeon and the SLP.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA

    Edward J. Damrose

  2. Voice Production and Perception Laboratory & Laboratory for Well-Being and Quality of Life, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, Elborn College, London, ON, Canada

    Philip C. Doyle

Authors
  1. Edward J. Damrose
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  2. Philip C. Doyle
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Correspondence to Edward J. Damrose .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and School of Communication Sciences & Disorders , Western University, London, ON, Canada

    Philip C. Doyle

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Damrose, E.J., Doyle, P.C. (2019). Complications Following Total Laryngectomy. In: Doyle, P. (eds) Clinical Care and Rehabilitation in Head and Neck Cancer. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-04702-3_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-04702-3_3

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-04701-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-04702-3

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