Instructions for inpatient care of laryngectomees.

 It is advisable that laryngectomees provide the Instructions below to the medical staff who cares for them:

INSTRUCTIONS:  INPATIENT CARE OF LARYNGECTOMEE

 

GENERAL

• 100% neck breather. Breathe through neck stoma.
• Air, oxygen, suction and respiration resuscitation is through my stoma.
• Keep my trachea moist by inserting saline bullets every 3-4 hours.
• I do not have radial artery pulse on my left/right arm (in case you had a free flap)

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RESPIRATORY SUPPORT:

• To deliver respiratory support, or if I am unconscious, remove HME (heat moisture exchanger filter) if you wear one).
• Oxygen given to me should be humidified.
• Oxygen mask should be “child-mask” size over stoma.
• If I am not able to cough, I need to be frequently suctioned through the stoma. 

COMMUNICATION:

• I am unable to speak without HME (if you wear one  over my stoma.
• Without HME, I can communicate via lip reading or writing on a board or paper.
• I have a round 10 mm plastic voice prosthesis inside my trachea, visible through the stoma.
• Don’t remove, even if I need to be intubated. 

NEED ASSISTANCE?

Contact a speech pathologist for supplies & help.

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