Can a Person Still Speak After Having Their Vocal Cords Removed?

Update Date: 2024-07-02 Source: Network

In most cases, voice can still be produced after vocal cord resection. In the case of partial resection of laryngeal cancer, the airflow can still produce vibration, thus allowing the patient to produce sound. In other words, the vocal cord is not an indispensable part for voice production. Of course, if the entire larynx is resected, then voice reconstruction or the use of an electronic larynx may be required for voice production.

1. Partial laryngeal resection

In the case of laryngeal resection, it can be divided into left and right resection, or resection of the larynx above the vocal cords. In this way, at least one side of the vocal cord structure is preserved after surgery, allowing for voice communication even if the voice quality is slightly impaired.

2. Partial resection of the larynx above the cricoid cartilage

In addition, there is a special surgery called partial resection of the larynx above the cricoid cartilage. This surgery removes both vocal cords and ventricular bands, but the patient can still speak smoothly after surgery. The main components are the cricoid cartilage, arytenoid cartilage, inter-articular joints, laryngeal nerves and muscles responsible for sensation and movement. Voice timbre is not a basic structure.

3. Total laryngectomy

After total laryngectomy, voice production is indeed impossible under natural conditions. However, doctors still have many options for voice production after total laryngectomy. Specifically, one is to perform a voice reconstruction surgery to redirect airflow to the pharynx; the second is esophageal speech training; and the third is to use an electronic larynx for voice production.

4. Consideration of laryngeal function in other cases

In throat cancer surgery, doctors not only consider the laryngeal function, but also whether the tracheostomy tube can be successfully removed, restoring oral breathing and normal oral feeding without choking, which has a significant impact on the patient's quality of life.