Long-term results of VoiceMaster voice prosthesis use in laryngectomized patients.
OBJECTIVE
To report on the long-term results, focusing on prosthesis lifetime, achieved with the VoiceMaster prosthesis in an outpatient population.


METHODS
The VoiceMaster prosthesis was used over a 40-month period. Average prosthesis lifetimes were calculated both individually and for the group as a whole. Factors determining prosthesis insertion were noted. Also, the possible effect of interim prosthesis cleaning and reinsertion of the same device, a specific VoiceMaster characteristic, was assessed.


RESULTS
An average prosthesis lifetime of 6.5 months was attained for the whole patient group and several devices were still in situ at the end of the 40-month period. Local factors (tracheostoma size, fistula position and characteristics) influence insertion. Interim cleaning with immediate reinsertion of the device can greatly enhance prosthesis lifetime on an individual basis.


CONCLUSIONS
The attained average prosthesis lifetime demonstrates that the VoiceMaster merits a place within the array of available prostheses used in post-laryngectomy outpatient voice rehabilitation.
Eerenstein
Simone E J
SE
Department of ENT--Head & Neck Surgery, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. s.e.eerenstein@amc.uva.nl
Schouwenburg
Paul F
PF
D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D007831:Larynx, Artificial; D008297:Male; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*