Postoperative care for patients with laryngeal cancer undergoing total resection

Total laryngectomy is suitable for patients with advanced laryngeal cancer, primary subglottic laryngeal cancer, and laryngeal cancer that has recurred after partial laryngectomy. After total laryngectomy, patients lose their ability to speak and rely on anterior cervical tracheal fistula to breathe, with extremely poor quality of life. The following points should be noted in the care of patients after total laryngectomy:

1. Routine care

According to routine care under general anesthesia, let the patient lie flat without a pillow with the head tilted to one side. After the patient wakes up, let him/her assume a semi-recumbent or supine position. Change the position frequently and pat the back with hollow hands to prevent lung complications. Maintain a suitable temperature and humidity in the ward to facilitate the discharge of the patient's secretions and avoid colds.

2. Closely observe vital signs

Closely observe changes in the patient's breathing, blood pressure, pulse, and body temperature. For patients with stable vital signs and no contraindications, family members can help them walk around the ward to promote the recovery of various organs in the body.

3. Cleaning of tracheal tube

Keep the tracheal tube clean and unobstructed, remove secretions in time, clean and disinfect the inner tube on time, but the inner tube should not be separated from the outer tube for too long to prevent the outer tube from being blocked.

4. Do a good job of nasogastric feeding

Most patients with total laryngectomy need nutritional support through nasogastric feeding. During nasogastric feeding, the stomach tube should be flushed with warm water first. The amount of food intake each time should not be too much, 200 to 300 ml is enough. Nasogastric feeding can be done 6 to 8 times a day. The patient's family members are advised not to feed orally to avoid accidents.

5. Take good care of wounds

Keep the wound clean and replace the soaked dressing in time. If there is a negative pressure suction ball, prevent the plastic tube from falling out and maintain the negative pressure of the suction ball.