Speech results with tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis after total laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVE To assess the success rate of tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis as the primary mode of voice rehabilitation in patients after total laryngectomy. METHODS Medical record files of 35 patients subjected to total laryngectomy were reviewed for determining success or failure of the voice prosthesis. The indicators used were quality of speech and utility of the device. Subsequent complications that developed were also assessed. In addition other factors taken into consideration were pharyngeal myotomy, use of radiation, and timing of replacement. All thirty five patients (n=35) had prosthesis placed at the time of laryngectomy. RESULTS The success rate at one month and four months follow up was 85.18%. Of note, 3 patients were lost to follow-up, 3 patients died of disease and 2 had recurrence of disease. CONCLUSION Our results confirm the effectiveness, longevity and safety of the tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis for speech rehabilitation following total laryngectomy.