Abstract
Total laryngectomy causes a morphological change in the vocal apparatus, which totally alters the physiological mechanism of the voice. AimThe objective of this article is to describe key aspects of the vocal apparatus morphology of patients who use the esophageal voice to communicate. Material and methodProspective study of 15 patients with esophageal voice in which the VHI-30, CAPE-V and a clinical and endoscopic exploration were performed, highlighting the morphological aspects that could influence the voice. ResultsThe VHI-30 reveals that they perceive their voice as a mild and moderate limitation. The CAPE-V indicates a medium and severe affectation. Both tests are significantly related in the mild and severe grades of VHI with the global severity of CAPE-V. The clinical exploration of the oral cavity and tracheostoma doesn’t show that its variables present a trend with CAPE-V. Endoscopic exploration shows trends in the relationship between volumes and areas of the pharyngeal cavity and esophagus with the CAPE-V, but without reaching significant values. The button and diaphragm shapes of the pharyngoesophageal segment exhibit the same tendency. ConclusionsThe variables studied indicate that the quality of the esophageal voice would depend, to some extent, on the anatomical characteristics of the new laryngectomized vocal apparatus.
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