[Voice rehabilitation with double-valve voice prosthesis after laryngectomy]

Between March 1993 and November 1996, 97 laryngectomized patients underwent voice rehabilitation with prostheses designed by ourselves. Of these patients, 84 were males and 13 females. The age ranged from 35 to 78 years. 20 cases had the prosthesis inserted during the laryngectomy operation (first stage), while other 77 cases were inserted after the laryngectomies (second stage). The results showed that all of the patients had clear voice with their own local dialect. 34 of them could even sing songs. 68 cases had been followed-up for 2 years. All could speak during the effective time of the prosthesis and no misswallow occurred.