Intraoperative Tracheoesophageal Partywall Thickness (PWT) Measurement in Laryngectomy Patients Using Modified PROVOX Guidewire

Abstract

Post laryngectomy voice rehabilitation using primary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) and voice prosthesis insertion is considered the "gold standard" method. No special effort is taken to measure the tracheoesophageal partywall thickness before inserting voice prosthesis. TE puncture related problems (peri-prosthetic leakage) are commonly seen in our population as compared to device failures (central leak). An accurate prosthesis inserted primarily may prevent the development of peri-prosthetic leakage. We surmise that tracheoesophageal party wall thickness (PWT) to be an important factor determining this phenomenon. There is still no consensus on the size of the prosthesis to be inserted during a primary TEP. To cater this, we propose a simple, quick and accurate method of measuring tracheoesophageal PWT intraoperatively. This method will guide us to determine an accurate prosthesis size which can be inserted during primary TEP. We also propose that this method will prevent future TE puncture related problems.