Voice restoration by primary insertion of indwelling voice prosthesis following circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy with free jejunal graft

Abstract: Background:: Voice restoration after circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy (CPL) with free jejunal graft remains a difficult problem to solve. Few reports have analyzed the success rate and complications following primary insertion of indwelling voice prostheses during CPL with free jejunal graft. Patients and methods:: Eight patients who underwent CPL with free jejunal graft had a Groningen voice prosthesis inserted as a tracheoesophageal (TE) shunt at the time of oncological surgery. A 10-point scale was used to assess each patient''s speech intelligibility. Complications following the voice prosthesis insertion were also analyzed. Results:: Six of the eight patients (75%) achieved excellent speech intelligibility and the remaining two patients (25%) were judged as moderate. Six of the eight patients (75%) used the TE shunt as their major means of daily communication. Leakage through or around the prosthesis, which occurred in six (75%) patients, was the most frequent prosthesis-related complication. Conclusions:: This safe and reliable technique can be effective in improving the quality of life in selected patients undergoing CPL. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]