Post-laryngectomy vocal rehabilitation using expired air and an external fistula method

The advantages and problems of fistula speech in post-laryngectomy vocal rehabilitation are discussed. A pilot study of laryngectomees has shown the practical advantages and low risk of a primary one-stage external vocal fistula construction at the time of laryngectomy, allowing very early fistula speech. These results indicate the need for an intensive program to develop a definitive surgical procedure and prosthesis, with a view to applying the method to all types of laryngectomees.