Total laryngectomy with voice prosthesis – „gold standard“ treatment for patients with advanced laryngeal cancer

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of this article is to present the advantages of tracheoesophageal puncture using secondary placement of the voice prosthesis, at present the “gold standard” for voice rehabilitation in the laryngectomized patient with advanced cancer following total laryngectomy. Absence of voice and, therefore, inability to verbally communicate, constitutes one of the greatest challenges for laryngeal cancer patients, having a major impact on their quality of life. Case report. The authors illustrate the case of a 61-year-old patient diagnosed with advanced laryngeal cancer, who underwent total laryngectomy. After approximately one year, a voice prosthesis is installed. Phonation was immediate and close to natural laryngeal speech. Conclusions. From a functional, as well as psychological and social point of view, a laryngeal cancer diagnosis can have devastating consequences on all aspects of a patient’s life. Phonation recovery is thus essential for psychological well-being, labour and social reintegration. Correct understanding and management of this pathology and treatment options is of utmost importance in obtaining the best possible medium and long-term outcomes. Secondary placement of the voice prosthesis provides greater oncological safety as well as avoids common post-radiotherapy side effects.

Keywords

• advanced laryngeal cancer
• voice prosthesis
• total laryngectomy