title: Applications of the voice prosthesis during laryngectomy.
abstract: With the recent introduction of the voice prosthesis for alaryngeal speech rehabilitation, its application in the early postlaryngectomy period is gaining acceptance. One hundred twenty-eight patients received a tracheoesophageal puncture and adjunctive pharyngeal constrictor relaxation during laryngectomy. The voice prosthesis was applied as early as 10 days after surgery, and the results of a 9-year experience are presented. Eighty percent of the population achieved a durable voice, and the complications were infrequent. The results support the primary use of tracheoesophageal phonation as a relatively safe and reliable alternative to total laryngectomy alone.
authors.affiliation: Head and Neck Surgery Associates, Indianapolis, IN.
authors.forename: M I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Singer
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Hamaker
authors.forename: E D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Blom
authors.forename: G Y
authors.initials: GY
authors.lastname: Yoshida
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004947:Esophagus; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000534:rehabilitation; D007831:Larynx, Artificial; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011677:Punctures; D014132:Trachea