title: An endoscopic technique for restoration of voice after laryngectomy.
abstract: Reports of restoration of voice after total laryngectomy include diversion of exhaled pulmonary air though planned or spontaneous fistulae with a variety of modified tracheal cannulas and valves. Limitations of these techniques include aspiration, scar closure of the shunts, wound complications, and failure to achieve voice consistently. We report a two-year experience with an endoscopic method using a unique valved prosthesis eliminating complicated surgical reconstructions, aspiration, and stenosis. Fifty-four of 60 patients (90%) achieved fluent voices with one deglutition problem. Radiation therapy preceded voice restoration in 63% of the patients and radical neck dissection in 72%. The endoscopic procedure, hospitalization and period of speech therapy are short and constitute a cost-effective voice rehabilitation program. The results of this simple method and lack of complications are encouraging.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007831:Larynx, Artificial; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014834:Voice Training