Abstract

This study was carried out to identify the dimensions of the body image changes of laryngectomized patients, in order to adjust their care. It consisted of an exploratory study with 9 patients submitted to total laryngectomy, and the data collection was based on the semi-structured interview. Analysis of the data permitted to identify two categories that were integrated into the theme "resignation with the altered body image", that reveals the dimensions as a process of resistance to the ideal of body image. This reflects suffering and challenges that require the intervention of the attending health team.

Key words: body image, altered body image, laryngectomized patient