"My Voice"

Order a paperback or Kindle Edition or e-book of "My Voice: A Physician's Personal Experience with Throat Cancer," the complete 282 page story of Dr. Brook's diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from throat cancer.

Order a paperback or Kindle Edition or e-book of "The Laryngectomee Guide," the 170 page practical guide for laryngectomees.

Obtain and/or view a video presentation, instructive manual and a slide presentation how to ventilate laryngectomees and neck breathers (free).


To obtain suggestions for laryngectomees how to cope with COVID-19 pandemic click the Laryngectomee Newsletter link.


Monday, June 11, 2012

Ventilation of Neck Breathers Undergoing a Diagnostic Procedure or Surgery


Receiving sedation while undergoing a diagnostic procedure (i.e. colonoscopy) or general anesthesia while undergoing surgery is challenging for neck breathers including laryngectomees.

Unfortunately, most medical personnel including nurses, medical technicians, surgeons and anesthesiologists caring for a laryngectomees before, during, and after surgery are not familiar with their unique anatomy, how they speak, and how to manage their airways. This lack of familiarity is because of the significant success of laryngeal conservation treatment  that has in turn reduced the number of patients undergoing total laryngectomy. As a result many health providers have less contact than ever with laryngectomees. A manuscript explaining the special needs of laryngectomees and other neck breathers is available on this link. 


 Tracheotomy tube