Abstract: Objective To systematically synthesize the qualitative studies pertaining to life experience of patients after total laryngectomy. Methods PsyclNFO, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP database were searched from the inception to 13 September, 2022, to collect the qualitative studies on the inner feelings and life experience of patients after total laryngectomy. Meta-synthesis was used to summarize and integrate the extracted results. Results Thirteen articles were included and forty-five results were extracted, which were summarized into 7 new categories and 3 integrated results: 1. multiple changes in physical and mental feelings, including physical dysfunction, prominent negative emotional experience, and discontinued normality of family and social life; 2.disease-related knowledge needs and social support needs; 3.different strategies to cope with multiple transitions: adaptation to the new norm, and rebuilding of a meaningful life. Conclusion Patients with total laryngectomy face multi-dimensional difficulties and challenges. It is necessary for families and medical staff to fully understand patients’ inner feelings, life experience, needs and adjustment, so as to help them achieve life reconstruction and improve the quality of life.

Key words: total laryngectomy, life experience, qualitative research, Meta-synthesis