Life guidance for laryngeal cancer patients after surgery

Helping laryngeal cancer patients with postoperative life guidance can help them strengthen their physical fitness, relieve pain and recover early.

1. Humidify the air. When the air is too dry, such as in a heated room in winter, the trachea or lungs will produce more sputum, and the skin around the stoma may also be dry and bleed easily. Using an air humidifier at home will reduce these problems.

2. Be careful when shaving. The patient's neck skin may feel numb within a few months after the operation. To avoid scratches, male patients should be careful when shaving and pay attention to safety when choosing a razor until the neck skin feels normal again.

3. Appropriate exercise. Appropriate exercise can help restore physical strength and enhance confidence in overcoming the disease. The amount of exercise should be increased gradually, step by step, and gradually adapted. Do not rush for success. Neck and shoulder functional exercises are especially recommended. Because some patients need to undergo neck lymph node dissection at the same time as total laryngectomy. After the operation, the neck and shoulder muscles are damaged. Patients are reluctant to move more due to pain, which can easily lead to muscle atrophy and limited upper limb activity, affecting the quality of life. Therefore, exercise within one's ability is essential.

4. Waterproof. Laryngectomy will have a certain impact on respiratory function. Patients cannot control their breathing after surgery. Therefore, patients with laryngectomy should give up activities or work related to rain, because water can enter the airway or lungs through the stoma, which can easily cause infection and delay recovery.

5. Choose the right covering. Everyone loves beauty. For patients who have undergone total laryngectomy, the unique stoma and shield in the neck may easily arouse people's curiosity, so they need to dress themselves up. For example, men can wear a high-necked shirt and tie, and women can use a beautiful scarf to cover their neck. This is both useful and beautiful, and can also keep the inside and outside of the cannula moist and filter the inhaled air.