Aspiration of tracheoesophageal prosthesis in a laryngectomized patient

Abstract

Background: The voice prosthesis inserted into a tracheoesophageal fistula has become the most widely used device for voice rehabilitation in patients with total laryngectomy. Case presentation: We describe a case of tracheoesophageal prosthesis' (TEP) aspiration in a laryngectomized patient, with permanent tracheal stoma, that appeared during standard cleaning procedure, despite a programme of training for the safe management of patients with voice prosthesis. Conclusions: The definitive diagnosis and treatment were performed by flexible bronchoscopy, that may be considered the procedure of choice in these cases, also on the basis of the literature. © 2012 Conte et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.