Our experience related to blom-singer voice prosthesis

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the results of primary and secondary voice restoration in patients who have undergone total laryngectomy (TL).

Methods: Seventy patients who had undergone total laryngectomy In our department between December 1992 and April 1997 were reviewed for the results of voice restoration. Results were assessed in 54 patients according to patients' satisfaction and compliance, maximum phonatory time, prosthesis life and intelligibility of speech.

Results: Primary or secondary voice restoration with Blom-Singer voice prosthesis had an overall success rate of 85%. The most frequently seen problem was prosthesis loss and subsequent shunt closure.

Conclusion: Primary voice restoration (PVR) for patients requiring total laryngectomy is a highly recommended procedure. It is a safe technique, has a high rate of success, allows a faster result and reduces the number of hospitalizations and procedures. PVR does not have a high rate of major complications, and the minor complications are often easily resolved. In cases of failure due to prosthesis loss and shunt closure, the procedure can be repeated without a significant morbidity/mortality to the patient.

Keywords

• Total laryngectomy,voice restoration,complications

References

1. Asai R. Laryngoplasty after total laryngectomy. Arch Otolaryngol 1972; 95:114.