Potential colonization of provox voice prosthesis by Candida spp. with no sign of failure for approximately 10 years exploitation time

Abstract

Vocal rehabilitation with implantation of voice prosthesis has been recognized as one of the most popular intervention for patients after total laryngectomy. The main threat to its users is leakage through the tracheo-esophageal fistula caused by prosthesis deformation and damage to the valve mechanism due to colonization with fungal or bacterial/fungal biofilms. The uniqueness of the described case represents the use of the same Provox voice prosthesis during the period of almost 10 years.

Keywords

• biofilm
• voice prosthesis
• total laryngectomy
• candida spp