[Comparative radiologic studies of artificial esophageal speech of laryngectomized patients]

Radiographs were taken of the pharyngo-oesophageal segment (PE segment) of 19 laryngectomees, 16 of whom had oesophageal speech. The voice production was studied by X-ray video-tape. Oesophageal speakers with a good voice showed a much wider upper oesophageal (subpseudoglottic) space and more prominent or round PE segments than poor speakers. Video recordings showed that good oesophageal speakers develop motion within the voice-producing system, characterized by maximum air intake and by active retrograde contractions of the oesophagus. In contrast, these structures showed little functional adaptation in poor speakers.