Ventilation of neck breathers undergoing a diagnostic procedure or surgery.

Receiving sedation while undergoing a diagnostic procedure or general anesthesia for surgery is challenging for neck breathers including laryngectomees. Unfortunately, most medical personnel including nurses, medical technicians, surgeons, and anesthesiologists caring for laryngectomees before, during, and after surgery are not familiar with their unique anatomy, how they speak, and how to manage their airways during and after the operation. Methods to improve the care are discussed. Educating medical personnel about these issues can improve the care of neck breathers.