This study provides detailed (peri)stoma geometry data of a divers population, and for the first time in relation to patch-use. It reveals a serious mismatch between patients and patches. With these data new patches can be developed that could dramatically improve rehabilitation after laryngectomy.

The number of removed tracheal rings during laryngectomy does not seem to influence stoma depth. However, this study does not demonstrate that cleaving the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) at the time of a laryngectomy will result in a geometrically flatter stoma.

No abstract