Tracheostomies are artificial airways inserted into the front of the necks of patients for a variety of indications. They can be temporary or permanent. Laryngectomy involves a permanent change to the airway.

The anatomical and physiological changes can have a significant impact on patients and their families. This is most obviously seen with the loss of talking, eating and drinking which occur commonly after both tracheostomy and laryngectomy. This can lead to anxiety and depression, reduce engagement with family and healthcare staff and delay or limit recovery.

This session covers the various strategies available to the multidisciplinary team that can help to get patients talking, eating and drinking early in their recovery. We will also review the situations when a tracheostomy tube is no longer required and the indications for decannulation.