Life with Lost Voice: An Exploration of the Experiences of Patients with Total Laryngectomy

Voice plays one of the most crucial roles in human communication. As total laryngectomy is the surgical removal of larynx and surrounding structures it causes to lose the voice. The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of patients with Laryngectomy among the members of Laryngectomies’ Association of National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL). Purposefully selected 15 patients with laryngectomy were recruited using purposive sampling method for this qualitative phenomenological study. Data was collected during a one month period by using semi structured interviews. Data was analyzed by the thematic analysis method. The study findings revealed that the patients with laryngectomy faced major changes in their lifestyle due to altered airway such as loss of voice, body image concerns, and challenges with eating and communicating. The findings further provided evidences related to the support of the family, friends and health care professionals which was critical for successful transition during the stressful adjusting period. Therefore, exploring experiences of patients with laryngectomy will help to provide better care for them and lead to enhance their quality of life.