Prospective randomized comparative study of tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis: Blom-Singer versus Provox.
OBJECTIVE
Compare the most commonly used types of tracheoesophageal voice prostheses, Blom Singer and Provox.


METHODS
Prospective study of 113 prostheses placed in 52 patients randomly selected to receive Blom-Singer and Provox.


METHODS
Postoperative voice was recorded at 1 and 4 months after valve placement. Survival time of the prosthesis and four objective voice parameters were analyzed. Eight judges rated all recordings in a random order for six subjective voice parameters. Subgroup analysis for primary versus secondary placements and type of procedure was performed. In addition, patients were asked for their subjective assessment.


RESULTS
Overall, Blom-Singer and Provox prostheses give very similar voice quality, lifetime, and patient satisfaction. Cleaning management is somewhat better for Provox, but there is a trend toward better overall voice quality for the Blom-Singer prosthesis. In subgroup analysis secondarily placed prostheses score somewhat better than primary placements, and patients with total laryngectomy have better voices than patients with extended laryngectomy combined with partial pharyngectomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Given the equal and good results in terms of voice quality, other factors (e.g., costs, surgery-related factors, maintenance, patient preference) should be taken into account when deciding which type of tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis to use.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, St Rafaël Hospital, Belgium.
K
K
Delsupehe
I
I
Zink
M
M
Lejaegere
P
P
Delaere
D004947:Esophagus / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007831:Larynx, Artificial; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D014132:Trachea / Q000601:surgery; D014833:Voice Quality