David a laryngectomy (lary) is when the vocal chords are removed.
When the surgeon does the laryngectomy, instead of just having the esophagous, there is an additional tube like area that becomes the trach. Otherwise you would drown or aspirate into the lungs. Look up laryngectomy on google under images and it gives you a great visual. There is a one way valve (TEP)tracheostoma esophageal prostisis that looks like a very small sewing bobbin that is inserted into a permanent hole. He wears a glued on base plate (very thin plastic) around the stoma. To that base plate is attached a HME (heat and moisture exchange). It is also a sort of valve. That when pushed by the finger occludes the air from escaping through the stoma and engages the valve valve inserted in the airway. By doing this he can talk like anyone else. It's really quite amazing. Google all these things and you can get a visual.

As far as the tongue being sewn to the floor of the mouth. That's another story, but with reconstructive surgery there are many on this site that speak just fine. EReg has not had that surgery yet. That will happen on Dec 5. That's why it is important you get to a CCC.There is a resource on this website where you can look up any CCC in the country. You have to go back to the home page and look down the left side of the page. I'm not sure exactly, but I think it is under resources. Be a little patient and one of the old timers on the site will be along shortly to give good advice and links to info.