Three studies from Italy and Scotland reported seven laryngectomees who developed COVID -19 infection. Two acquired the infection while in the hospital after undergoing laryngectomy. The infection was serious in three of them and they required intubation and intensive care admission. All the patients survived.
The authors concluded that individuals who have
undergone laryngectomy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma are high risk
for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and may
be at risk for worse outcomes of COVID-19 due to anatomical changes in their
airways.
