Primary prosthetic voice rehabilitation in patients after laryngectomy: Applications and pitfalls

Abstract

The use of the tracheoesophageal (T-E) silicone rubber voice prosthesis is the most effective and well-established procedure to restore the voice in patients after laryngectomy. The prosthesis is usually well-tolerated with only minor complications. Severe complications are rare. In this article we present our experience with the prosthetic technique at the Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery in University Hospital in Martin, Slovakia between the years 2005–2013 and report a case of a 48-year-old man with secondary prosthesis inserted through a T-E shunt 16 months after laryngectomy. On the 6th day after the insertion, the shunt decayed. After prosthesis removal the tissue defect was sutured. Due to repetitive tissue decay, reconstruction of the trachea and esophagus became necessary. On the 10th day, peritracheoesophageal fistula developed and gastrostomy was performed. Because of intense fibrotic and inflammatory changes, further reconstruction was not indicated. After 6 months, esophageal stenosis occurred and endoscopic dilation under local anaesthesia was performed. The T-E voice prosthesis has become one of the choices for voice rehabilitation following total laryngectomy and may improve the patient’s long-term quality of life. The overall risk of severe complications seems relatively low. Nonetheless, some complications might be challenging and might require specific management.