Blocked Voice Prosthesis: A Common Complication Reducing the Prosthesis Longevity

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackground/ObjectivesMechanical prosthetic valve rehabili tation after total laryngectomy have a success rates of 90% in restoring voice. The effective speech is achieved better with mechanical voice prosthesis when compared to esophageal speech and electrolarynx. Candidal growth and tubal blockage are the commonest cause of peri and endotubal leakage causing prosthesis failure.Case reportA 50-year-old male who had undergone wide field laryngectomy with primary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) with voice prosthesis 18 months back complained of blocked voice prosthesis and peritubal leakage. The tip of the cleaning brush which had blocked the opening was removed in the outpa tients under topical anesthesia and the peritubal block reduced.ConclusionMechanical valve prosthesis rehabilitation after primary tracheoesophageal puncture is the standard voice rehabilitation of laryngectomized patients. Patient education regarding maintenance of the prosthesis and the care for the tracheostoma is important in reducing the complications.How to cite this articleHalkud R, Shenoy AM, Sunil KC, Samskruthi M, Sarvadyna J, Biswas S, Chavan P, Siddappa KT, Shivappa A, Naik SM. Blocked voice Prosthesis: A Common Complication Reducing the Prosthesis Longevity. Int J Head Neck Surg 2014;5(2):66-71.