Profound emotional reactions are encountered in patients who have undergone laryngectomy. In our study of laryngectomized patients, both before and after surgery, specific patterns of anxiety were found. The extent to which these anxieties impair treatment and prevent adequate rehabilitation depends largely upon the physician. He must understand not only the meaning of the operation for the patient, but also his own feelings about his role as the surgeon. He must familiarize himself with the possible attitudes of patients and provide himself with the techniques to extract emotionally meaningful information which he can use to insure a successful emotional, as well as a successful surgical, result.