[Results of voice rehabilitation with Provox prostheses]

From 1992 to 1998, 105 patients of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery in Berne underwent laryngectomy with primary implantation of a Provox prosthesis. These patients were followed up in an open prospective study and evaluated by the HRS scale, based on speaking ability and quality as well as on prosthesis care. 46 patients (44%) attained successful rehabilitation of the voice, defined as 12-15 points according to the HRS scale. Age, tumour stage and postoperative irradiation did not influence the results. Compared to the patient group with less than 12 HRS points, frequent replacements or short in situ lifetime of the prosthesis improve the results of rehabilitation. Patient compliance is an important factor in achieving success with the Provox prosthesis.