More than 100 years have passed since Billroth carried out the first laryngectomy for cancer. Since then, restoring speech following surgery has presented the greatest challenge. The proliferation of speech rehabilitation techniques and mechanisms is a solid testimony to the creative genius of those interested in this field. It is also clear that no one technique provides an overall solution to the problem. Yet another variable in this most interesting human equation is the individual needs of a rather diverse group of patients.
In this Workshop we have attempted to bring together outstanding representatives of the various disciplines interested in speech rehabilitation after laryngectomy. This diverse group includes head and neck surgeons, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, speech and voice pathologists, psychologists, and, most important of all, a patient who has had a laryngectomy. This multidisciplinary group very much reflects the team approach to head and neck cancer generally and to laryngectomy surgery specifically.