Healthy laryngectomy peristomal skin and stoma care: a foundation for successful voice and pulmonary rehabilitation

Healthy peristomal skin is a prerequisite for optimal use of medical adhesives (baseplates) for the attachment of HMEs in laryngectomy patients. Intact peristomal skin forms the foundation for adherent HME use, which leads to improved pulmonary health. In TE speakers it also forms the basis for a good seal which is required for efficient and optimal TE speech. The use of medical adhesives can be complicated by Medical Adhesive Related Skin Injuries (MARSI) that can often be avoided by proper adhesive selection and appropriate application and removal techniques.

This live Panel discussion will start with a brief introduction to MARSI, intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors, causes and potential solutions, specifically for postlaryngectomy peristomal skin. Following this, the audience will have the opportunity to ask live questions to an international panel of experts in dermatology and laryngectomy.

Learning objectives:

• To increase awareness of MARSI in postlaryngectomy peristomal skin, intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors, and causes and potential solutions.
• To build understanding of the importance of preventing MARSI and promoting healthy perisomal skin, to help the laryngectomy patient to get a good adhesive seal which will in turn facilitate adherent HME use and optimal TE speech.

Timed agenda

0-5 Welcome and introduction
5-20 Brief introduction to Medical Adhesive Related Skin Injuries (MARSI), intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors, causes and potential solutions, specifically for postlaryngectomy peristomal skin.
20-60 Live questions and discussion on the prevention of MARSI in laryngectomised patients.

Expert panel

Prof Dr Rustemeyer

Thomas Rustemeyer is professor in dermatoallergology and occupational dermatology at the Department of Dermatology-Allergology at the Amsterdam University Medical Centers, the Netherlands. He is supervisor of immunological research of the University, and he is active in supervising patient’s care and research addressing fundamental immunological and translational research topics. He is (co)author of more than 300 publications and editor of several textbooks. He is member and/or chairperson of various national land international societies active in dermato-allergology, immunology and occupational health, including governmental and regulatory affairs.

Corina van As Brooks, SLP, PhD, MBA

Corina is a speech-language pathologist. Her professional career started at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and has evolved around research and rehabilitation in head and neck cancer patients for more than 25 years. She specializes in voice, pulmonary, swallowing, and olfactory rehabilitation after total laryngectomy and is dedicated to improving the quality of life of laryngectomized patients and their families through contributing to product innovation, patient access to devices, scientific research, and clinical education. She has published widely in laryngectomy rehabilitation and has lectured on this topic at numerous international meetings and workshops. She is currently a consultant for Atos Medical in medical education, clinical research, clinical evaluations, regulatory affairs, innovation, and clinical expertise.