Tracheo-oesophageal puncture: a review of problems and complications

Tracheo-oesophageal puncture now has a well established role and in several units is now the principal means of speech rehabilitation following laryngectomy. Although not a difficult procedure, there are a number of problems and complications that may be encountered. With proper management these can usually be overcome and a useful voice achieved. This study looks at those problems in a series of 119 patients and discusses their management.