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Playing a brass instrument after total laryngectomy: a case report
Andrea Luigi Cavalot1, Antonio Schindler, Elsa Juliani
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Head & Neck
|February 4, 2009
Summary
A professional brass player with a voice prosthesis successfully resumed playing after a total laryngectomy. This demonstrates a functional airflow system for musical performance, reducing disability for laryngeal speakers.
Area of Science:
- Laryngology
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Musical Instrument Performance
Background:
- A professional brass musician underwent total laryngectomy.
- A voice prosthesis was inserted into a tracheoesophageal shunt.
- The study investigates the feasibility of brass playing post-laryngectomy.
Observation:
- Videoendoscopy revealed a non-vibrating, open neoglottis during brass playing.
- Videofluoroscopy showed hypopharyngeal changes and neoglottis alterations with pitch variation.
- Specific findings included an enlarged hypopharynx and a thin, stretched neoglottis at higher pitches.
Findings:
- The voice prosthesis facilitated a regulating airflow system for brass instrument playing.
- The neoglottis and surrounding structures adapted to accommodate musical demands.
- The patient maintained brass playing activity despite the absence of a native larynx.
Implications:
- Voice prostheses can enable advanced airflow regulation for specialized vocal tasks.
- This case highlights the potential for improved quality of life and reduced disability for laryngectomees.
- Further research can explore the use of voice prostheses in other vocally demanding professions.
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