Cancer Center - Laryngectomy Prosthesis

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Laryngectomy Prosthesis

A total laryngectomy is a functional surgery that is destructive in nature with substantial outcomes that no one, even with vast clinical experience, can relate to. This surgical procedure alters respiration, swallowing and voice as well as physical appearance and an incomprehensible future for the patient and family. When considering psychosocial adjustment to a laryngectomy a quick rehabilitation of voice and fluent speech is imperative.

Esophageal speech and handheld artificial larynx devices have previously been the alternative means of communication for the laryngectomy. In 1978, Singer and Blom began using a method of voice restoration using a valved silicone voice prosthesis placed in a tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP). The interdisciplinary team of a surgeon and speech pathologist contributed their own unique backgrounds and knowledge to achieve a common goal.

Using this method of speech production allows the lungs to act as the driving force behind ones speech. This allows for increased volume and length of utterance. The patient must also have a tonic pharyngoesophageal (PE) segment to act as the vibratory segment to produce TEP speech. If all criteria is met then the surgeon and speech pathologist working as a team assist in voice restoration (Blom, Singer, & Hamaker, 1998).

Today Medical Center Hospital, speech pathology department is pleased to continue this tradition of voice restoration using the indwelling Blom-Singer voice prosthesis, as well as previous traditional voice restoration techniques in serving our community.

The speech department at MCH currently assists seven patients with maintenance of indwelling voice prosthesis and has approximately 1 patient undergoing treatment and waiting to receive their TEP procedure. The speech pathology department strives to provide current research, therapy, education and support to our laryngectomy population and their families. Medical Center Hospital, speech pathology, your hospital your choice.

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