Fiberoptic examination of the pharyngoesophageal segment in tracheoesophageal speakers.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a novel use of flexible fiberoptic endoscopy to examine the pharyngoesophageal segment, upper esophagus, and distal end of the tracheoesophageal prosthesis in patients who have undergone a total laryngectomy and a tracheoesophageal puncture.


METHODS
Five patients with poor-quality or no tracheoesophageal voice were evaluated by a speech pathologist and an otolaryngologist. A flexible endoscope interfaced with a video monitoring device was introduced transnasally and passed through the pharyngoesophageal segment. Examination of the anatomical relationship between the prosthesis and the esophageal mucosa was conducted while the subjects attempted to phonate. Treatments were then initiated based on the endoscopic findings.


CONCLUSIONS
Flexible endoscopy is a safe, cost-effective, diagnostic tool for evaluating laryngectomees suffering from poor-quality tracheoesophageal voice.
Oh
Charles K
CK
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
Meleca
Robert J
RJ
Simpson
Mark L
ML
Dworkin
James P
JP
D000368:Aged; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D006801:Humans; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000534:rehabilitation; D007831:Larynx, Artificial; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D013072:Speech, Esophageal / Q000379:methods; D014741:Video Recording