Can a person speak if the voice box is removed?

Q: My uncle recently went through an operation for throat cancer. He is 60 years old. Doctors operated him for around 9 hours. His throat has been repaired but his sound box has been removed. Now he can't speak. Doctors say they will put in a whistle. Is there any thing by which he can speak? Can you suggest me how he can speak again?

A:There are 3 major avenues for voice rehabilitation, namely:1. Oesophageal speech2. TEP3. ElectrolarynxMajority of my patients communicate effectively following laryngectomy. The choice of method depends on the needs in an individual case and the appropriateness of each method in a given case. The concerned surgeon should be able to provide the right help.