Air bypass voice prosthesis for vocal rehabilitation of laryngectomees.
An air bypass voice prosthesis and the refinement of a surgical technique has been developed. It involves a one-stage, low retrograde cervical esophagostomy that is functionally and cosmetically feasible since it permits hidden use of the device and eliminates fistula tract stenosis; and the problem of aspiration is eliminated. Most importantly, it provides a natural speech mechanism without any training period. Patients can regain immediate speech following installation of a voice prosthesis with a minimum of maintenance required. Ultimately, they have demonstrated greater self-reliance and developed a high degree of self-esteem which has enabled them to resume a normal way of life.
D004947:Esophagus / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011182:Postoperative Care; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013071:Speech, Alaryngeal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous