Voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. The Göteborg experience

Abstract

The main objective of laryngectomee rehabilitation is to restore the ability to communicate orally as well as possible. For a long time electrolarynx speech and oesophageal speech were the only available options for the laryngectomised patient. Since the introduction of surgical prosthetic voice restoration over a decade ago, several new alternatives have become available. The technique, which involves a voice prosthesis in a surgically created tracheo-oesophageal fistula, enables the patient to use pulmonary air for speech. This technique often means considerable improvement to the life quality of the laryngectomised patient.

This paper presents a five-year-experience with surgical voice rehabilitation of laryngectomees in terms of patient selection, presurgical evaluation, and two types of low pressure voice prostheses (Blom-Singer, Provox). The importance of the rehabilitation team is stressed.

Key Words:

• laryngectomy rehabilitation
• tracheo-oesophageal puncture
• Blom-Singer
• Provox
• voice prostheses.