Tracheostoma diverticulum following tracheoesophageal puncture

Although the initial reports of tracheoesophageal puncture after total laryngectomy reported little to no morbidity, subsequent studies with longer follow-up have reported a significant number of complications. We present the first reported case (to our knowledge) of prolapse of the posterior tracheal wall with diverticulum formation developing 6 years after continuous use of tracheoesophageal puncture speech. Preoperative assessment with a barium esophagogram and rigid esophagoscopy aided in the successful surgical treatment of this disorder. The pathogenesis of this complication and method of repair are discussed.