Commentary, J Otol Rhinol Vol: 12 Issue: 3

Voice Regeneration through Tracheoesophageal Puncture and Prosthesis Implant

Stephanie Liem^*

¹Department of Surgery, Nepean Hospital, New South Wales, Australia

*Corresponding Author: Stephanie Liem,
Department of Surgery, Nepean Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
E-mail: liemstephanie@gmail.com

Received date: 21 April, 2023, Manuscript No. JOR-23-102354;

Editor assigned date: 24 April, 2023, PreQC No. JOR-23-102354 (PQ);

Reviewed date: 08 May, 2023, QC No. JOR-23-102354;

Revised date: 15 May, 2023, Manuscript No. JOR-23-102354 (R);

Published date: 22 May, 2023, DOI: 10.4172/2324-8785.100062

Citation: Liem S (2023) Voice Regeneration through Tracheoesophageal Puncture and Prosthesis Implant. J Otol Rhinol 12:3.

Description

Tracheoesophageal Puncture (TEP) is a surgical procedure performed to restore voice production in individuals who have undergone laryngectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the larynx. Laryngectomy results in the loss of the natural voice box and the inability to produce voice through the mouth and nose. TEP creates a connection between the trachea and the esophagus, allowing the passage of air from the lungs into the esophagus, which can be used for voice production.

Indications for tracheoesophageal puncture:

Tracheoesophageal puncture is primarily indicated for individuals who have undergone total laryngectomy and desire to regain voice function. It is most commonly performed in cases of laryngeal cancer where the removal of the larynx is necessary. Candidates for TEP should have adequate pulmonary function and a suitable esophageal segment for puncture and voice prosthesis placement.

Procedure

Preoperative assessment: Before performing tracheoesophageal puncture, a thorough evaluation is conducted, including assessment of the patient's overall health, pulmonary function, and readiness for the procedure. The evaluation also involves counseling the patient regarding the benefits, limitations, and potential complications of TEP.

Anesthesia: Tracheoesophageal puncture is typically performed under general anesthesia, although local anesthesia with sedation may be an option in select cases.

Puncture creation: The surgeon creates a small hole, or puncture, in the wall that separates the trachea and the esophagus. This is usually done in the region just above the stoma, which the opening in the neck is created during laryngectomy. The puncture can be made using various techniques, including a blade or laser.

Voice prosthesis placement: After creating the puncture, a voice prosthesis is inserted into the puncture to establish the airflow between the trachea and the esophagus. The voice prosthesis consists of a oneway valve that allows air to pass from the trachea into the esophagus during exhalation, while preventing food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing.

Prosthesis adjustment and rehabilitation: Following voice prosthesis placement, the patient undergoes postoperative rehabilitation, including voice therapy and training. The voice therapist assists the patient in learning how to control the airflow through the prosthesis and coordinate the articulation of sounds for speech production.

Outcomes and complications

Tracheoesophageal puncture has shown promising outcomes in restoring voice function for individuals after laryngectomy. The use of a voice prosthesis allows for the production of a more naturalsounding voice that closely resembles the patient's pre-surgery voice. Successful voice restoration can significantly improve communication and quality of life.

However, like any surgical procedure, tracheoesophageal puncture carries some potential complications. These may include infection, prosthesis leakage, prosthesis displacement, granulation tissue formation around the puncture site, and problems with prosthesis maintenance and replacement. With proper care and follow-up, these complications can often be managed effectively.

Postoperative care and rehabilitation

After tracheoesophageal puncture, patients undergo a period of healing and adjustment. Regular follow-up visits with the surgeon and voice therapist are essential to monitor the healing process, manage complications, and optimize voice outcomes. Voice therapy plays a crucial role in helping patients adapt to the voice prosthesis, develop effective speech techniques, and maximize their voice quality and intelligibility.

During the postoperative period, patients are provided with specific instructions for prosthesis care and maintenance. Regular cleaning of the voice prosthesis is necessary to prevent blockage and ensure optimal function. Patients are educated on how to perform daily cleaning routines and when to replace the prosthesis if needed. It is important to emphasize the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene to minimize the risk of infection.

Voice therapy and rehabilitation are integral parts of the postoperative care process. Voice therapists work closely with patients to facilitate the adjustment to the voice prosthesis and assist in improving speech intelligibility and vocal quality. Therapy may involve exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in speech production, strategies for breath control and voice projection, and techniques for articulation and resonance.

Long-term follow-up care is crucial to monitor the patient's progress, assess prosthesis function, and address any issues or concerns that may arise. Regular visits with the surgical team and voice therapist allow for ongoing evaluation of the prosthesis, adjustment of voice parameters, and continued support in achieving optimal voice outcomes.

Tracheoesophageal puncture is a surgical technique that offers significant benefits in restoring voice function for individuals who have undergone laryngectomy. Through the placement of a voice prosthesis, airflow is redirected from the trachea to the esophagus, allowing for the production of voice. Successful voice restoration can have a profound impact on an individual's communication, social interaction, and overall quality of life.

While tracheoesophageal puncture carries potential complications, the majority of patients experience positive outcomes with proper preoperative evaluation, surgical technique, and postoperative care. Collaboration between the surgical team, voice therapist, and patient is essential in achieving optimal voice rehabilitation. Tracheoesophageal puncture, along with comprehensive rehabilitation, provides individuals with the opportunity to regain functional and naturalsounding voice production, promoting effective communication and enhancing their overall well-being.