[Phonation fistulas today].
OBJECTIVE
To describe our experience with the use of trachea-oesophageal puncture (TEP) after total laryngectomy.


METHODS
We have studied retrospectively 96 patients who received a voice prosthesis through tracheoesophageal puncture between October 2000 and December 2005.


RESULTS
The punctures effected were 86 primary (89.6 %) and 10 secondary (10.4 %); of the prostheses, 81 (84.4 %) were Provox(R) type and 74 % of patients used it as their normal means of communication. Reasons for withdrawal included insufficiency and aspiration in 66.7 % (14/21), lack of use in 23.8 % (2/21), granulation tissue, and inflammation in 4.7 % (1/21).


CONCLUSIONS
Voice rehabilitation by TEP and prosthesis was successful in 74 % of our patients with acceptable complications and better results than those obtained by tracheaoesophageal speech. We recommend the use of TEP in those patients who have the motivation and a good oncological and physical assessment.
González Poggioli
Nicolás
N
Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario Juan Canalejo, A Coruña, España. nicolas.glez@canalejo.org
González-Botas
Jesús Herranz
JH
Vázquez Barro
Juan Carlos
JC
Novoa Juiz
Vania
V
Martínez Vidal
José
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*