Common Choking Hazards in the Summer | First Aid Kit | Dechoker

Can the Dechoker Be Used After a Total Laryngectomy?

May 01, 2019

Can the Dechoker Be Used After a Total Laryngectomy?

Question: My Father has had a total laryngectomy (removal of the larynx), from having throat cancer. Can he use the Dechoker if he were to suddenly begin choking on some food?

Answer: The unfortunate person who develops throat or neck cancer sometimes will have to undergo a procedure to remove the voice box or larynx where the cancer occurred.

Laryngectomy is the removal of the larynx and separation of the airway from the mouth, nose and esophagus.

In this particular situation, whether a partial or total laryngectomy, the person breaths through an opening in the neck known as a stoma. In the patient who has had a laryngectomy, they feed separately through the mouth and the airway is actually not connected, so a Dechoker is not needed.


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