- UI Health (University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System)
Expertise: The Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at UI Health is a leading center for laryngectomy and complex head and neck cancer surgeries. They use minimally invasive and advanced surgical techniques, including robotic surgery, to optimize outcomes and recovery.
Specialists: The team includes nationally recognized experts such as Dr. Barry Wenig, who specializes in malignant and benign head and neck tumors and is known for his work in robotic surgery for laryngeal cancer.
Comprehensive Care: Patients receive multidisciplinary care, including pre-surgical planning with oncologists, speech therapists, and nutritionists. Post-operative care includes speech rehabilitation and nutritional support, with options like transesophageal prosthesis, electrolarynx, and esophageal speech for voice restoration.
Location: 1009 S. Wood St., Chicago, IL 60612
Contact: 312.996.6555
- Rush University Medical Center
Expertise: Rush’s ENT team includes highly rated surgeons such as Dr. Samer Al-Khudari (specialist in laryngeal cancer and laryngectomy), Dr. Kerstin Stenson, and Dr. Peter Revenaugh, all experienced in head and neck cancer surgery and advanced airway reconstruction.
Multidisciplinary Approach: Rush provides coordinated care with oncologists, speech-language pathologists, and nutritionists, ensuring patients have support from diagnosis through recovery and rehabilitation.
Patient Reviews: Surgeons at Rush are recognized for their expertise in both initial and revision laryngectomy, with a focus on preserving quality of life and function.
- Northwestern Medicine
Expertise: Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation features ENT surgeons like Dr. Bruce Tan, Dr. Robert Kern, and Dr. Thomas Nielsen, all highly rated for complex head and neck procedures, including laryngectomy.
Comprehensive Services: Northwestern offers advanced diagnostics, surgical care, and post-operative rehabilitation, including speech and swallowing therapy.
The University of Chicago Medical Center
Expertise: The University of Chicago’s ENT specialists, including Dr. Fuad Baroody and Dr. Jayant Pinto, are experienced in laryngeal cancer management and laryngectomy. The center is known for its high standards in cancer care and reconstructive surgery.
Cook County Health
Access: Cook County Health, including the Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center, provides ENT and head & neck cancer services to a diverse patient population, with a focus on accessibility and affordability.
Notable Surgeons in Chicago for Laryngectomy
Dr. Barry Wenig (UI Health)
Dr. Samer Al-Khudari (Rush University Medical Center)
Dr. Kerstin Stenson (Rush University Medical Center)
Dr. Peter Revenaugh (Rush University Medical Center)
Dr. Elizabeth Blair (Rush University Medical Center)
Dr. Bruce Tan (Northwestern Medicine)
Dr. Robert Kern (Northwestern Medicine)
Dr. Thomas Nielsen (Northwestern Medicine)
Dr. Fuad Baroody (University of Chicago)
Dr. Jayant Pinto (University of Chicago)
What to Expect
Pre-surgery: Multidisciplinary evaluation, including oncology, surgery, speech therapy, and nutrition.
Surgery: Performed by a specialized ENT/head & neck surgeon, often with minimally invasive or robotic techniques if appropriate.
Recovery: Initial ICU monitoring, followed by step-down care and a hospital stay of 5–10 days. Post-surgical rehabilitation includes speech and swallowing therapy.
Voice Restoration: Options include transesophageal prosthesis, electrolarynx, or esophageal speech, with support from speech-language pathologists.
