3D stereophotogrammetry for the assessment of tracheostoma anatomy.
CONCLUSIONS
3D stereophotogrammetry is a useful tool for quantitative assessment of tracheostoma anatomy, and thus in future could possibly play a role in solving current problems with peristomal and intratracheal fixation of stoma appliances.


OBJECTIVE
Differences in tracheostoma anatomy between laryngectomized patients are held partly responsible for the differences in duration of attachment of standard peristomal adhesives for heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs) and automatic stoma valves (ASVs). Accurate information on a set of basic stoma anatomy parameters should be helpful to overcome fixation problems in individual patients and in the general laryngectomy population.


METHODS
This was an exploratory observational pilot study in 20 laryngectomized patients. Three-dimensional (3D) images of the tracheostoma and surrounding tissue were captured with a 3D digital camera, which applies the advanced principles of stereophotogrammetry. Data were analysed by using a 3D editing program. The following tracheostoma parameters were measured for each patient: horizontal and vertical diameters, circumference, depth and surface.


RESULTS
Inter-observer outcomes show a mean stoma circumference of 58.2 mm (SD 11.6 mm). The mean surface was calculated at 186.6 mm2 (SD 61 mm2). The mean size of the stoma's horizontal diameter and vertical diameter was 14.7 mm (SD 2.9 mm) and 19.0 mm (SD 3.4 mm), respectively. The mean depth of the stoma in relation to the right sternal head of the m. sternocleidomastoideus was 15.5 mm (SD 5.4 mm) and in relation to the left it was 16 mm (SD 5.6 mm).
Dirven
Richard
R
Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Hilgers
Frans J M
FJ
Plooij
Joanneke M
JM
Maal
Thomas J J
TJ
Bergé
Stefaan J
SJ
Verkerke
Gijsbertus J
GJ
Marres
Henri A M
HA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010780:Photogrammetry; D014139:Tracheostomy