COVID-19 and Total Laryngectomy—A Report of Two Cases
Alberto Paderno, Milena Fior, Giulia Berretti, Francesca Del Bon, Alberto Schreiber, Alberto Grammatica, Davide Mattavelli, Alberto Deganello
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To date, no cases have been reported on the effects of COVID-19 in laryngectomees. CASE PRESENTATION: We herein presented two clinical cases of laryngectomized patients affected by COVID-19, detailing their clinical course and complications. DISCUSSION: In our experience, permanent tracheostomy did not significantly affect the choice of treatment. However, dedicated devices and repeated tracheal toilettes may be needed to deal with oxygen-therapy-related tracheal crusting. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, laryngectomees should be considered a vulnerable population that may be at risk for worse outcomes of COVID-19 due to anatomical changes in their airways. The role of the ENT specialist is to guide airway management and inform the support-staff regarding specific needs of these patients.