Usage and long-term complications of voice prosthesis in patients with total laryngectomy – our approach to periprosthetic leakage

• Published in: Libri oncologici Vol. 49; no. 2-3; pp. 66 - 71
• Main Authors: Pastorčić-Grgić, Marija, Perše, Pavao, Stubljar, Boris, Doko, Sandra
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: University Hospital for Tumors 22.12.2021
• Subjects: periprosthetic leakage; total laryngectomy; voice prosthesis
• ISSN: 0300-8142; 2584-3826
• DOI: 10.20471/LO.2021.49.02-03.08

Aim: To determine success in use of voice prosthesis, prosthesis lifetime and long-term complications after total laryngectomy with primary tracheoesophageal puncture and to describe our approach to periprosthetic leakage. Introduction: Voice restoration after total laryngectomy is usually performed by placing a silicone voice prosthesis in an artificially formed tracheoesophageal fistula. Methods: We performed a retrospective study on 187 laryngectomies with primary tracheoesophageal puncture in the 15-year period, treated in our hospital. Results: In the group of patients with more than 1 year follow up, 87.8% of patients had successful voice restoration. Average prosthesis lifetime was 8 months. Long-term complications developed in 17.5% of patients. Periprosthetic leakage was the most common. We were able to successfully resolve long-term complications in 19/24 patients and they continued to use their vocal prostheses. Conclusion: The primary placement of the voice prosthesis is successful and safe way to restore a voice after a total laryngectomy. Complications are commonly treatable in an outpatient clinic or with minor surgery.