[Experience with the HME-Provox Stomafilter in laryngectomized patients]

Respiratory symptoms after total laryngectomy are both frequent and troublesome. Previous studies have demonstrated the positive effect of a heat and moisture exchanger (MHE) on the respiratory system in patients after total laryngectomy. In the present study we analyze the opinion of 40 total laryngectomized patients regarding the use of the MHE-Provox Stomafilter kit. Focus has been directed to speech function parameters and pulmonary symptoms. Benefits in phonatory parameters--intelligibility, fluency, pressure and telephone intelligibility, have been over 70%. Reduction in pulmonary symptoms--coughing, sputum production, forced expectoration, stoma cleaning--have also been significant. Our results support the use of MHE Provox Stomafilter for minimizing and preventing respiratory problems and increasing the quality of the voice through the tracheoesophageal puncture system.